With summer in full swing, there are many people throughout the United States who are enjoying the outdoors and warm weather, as well as embarking on trips either by plane, train, or automobile. However, hotter temperatures, frequent celebrations, and a more relaxed social setting can result in an increase in both drunk driving and DUIs.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2,824 drunk driving deaths occurred between June 1 and August 31 in 2015. When it comes to accidents involving boats, nearly half of them involve alcohol or drug use.
There are various reasons why the summer season experiences an increase of DUI arrests, such as the following:
- High temperatures – Whether it’s water, lemonade, or an alcoholic beverage, people tend to consume more liquids in warm weather. However, the intense heat of summer can make people drink more than usual. When alcohol is consumed too fast in hot weather, people can reach a higher level of intoxication without noticing.
- Teenagers and young adults are out of school – Now that high schools and colleges are done for the summer, teenagers and young adults will be occupying the roads for longer periods of time compared to any other time during the year. When it comes to underage drinking, summertime is the most deadly time of year. Additionally, teens are more likely to try alcohol for the first time in July compared to other months.
- More socialization – Since there is more daylight to enjoy, many people socialize more often during the summer months. In many cases, social drinking is involved.
- Holidays – Drinking alcohol and the holidays go hand-in-hand, especially during this time of year. According to the NHTSA, 40 percent of crashes on Memorial Day and Labor Day involve a drunk driver. The Fourth of July is one of the most popular drinking days of the year, behind New Year’s and Christmas.
- Increased law enforcement – Due to the dangers of summer driving mentioned above, more police officers are patrolling the streets. From routine traffic stops to sobriety checkpoints, summer often sees a sharp increase in police activity, especially during the holidays.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Santa Barbara, our experienced legal team at Appel & Morse are ready to fight for you. We can thoroughly review your case and figure out the legal options you have to get your case dismissed or your charges reduced.
For more information, contact us and schedule a free criminal consultation today.