You can hardly believe that the Thanksgiving holiday is finally here! After fighting traffic to get to the airport, your flight into Chicago O’Hare airport has finally landed. You hire an Uber to drive you to the home of your relatives and get ready to relax after a long travel day. After an enjoyable dinner catching up with family, you realize that you forgot to pack your toiletry case. You have had two beers and decide you are not buzzed. While driving to the convenience store, you collide with a family of five coming home from eating out at a restaurant. You are now facing a DUI instead of enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
Thanksgiving is the Deadliest Holiday for Drivers and Passengers
This scenario is not uncommon. Millions of Americans get on roads and planes to travel home to spend time with loved ones and friends. Unfortunately, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, called “Thanksgiving Eve,” is one of the most dangerous nights for DUI-related accidents. The National Highway and Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that Thanksgiving Eve is the deadliest holiday on American Roads. And that dangerous period lasts beyond the highway through the following weekend.
Why do Drunk Driving Deaths Spike on Thanksgiving Eve?
Several factors contribute to increased driving during the holiday season. Many Illinois residents include drinking alcohol in their holiday festivities. While people are enjoying themselves at parties and talking to friends, they might not be aware of the significant alcohol content in their drinks. It is easier to drink one too many drinks during festive events and not notice the effect of the alcohol.
Icy and wet road conditions contribute to the danger of driving while drunk on Thanksgiving, as well. Many people throughout Illinois and the entire country drive to meet up with relatives and friends for their holiday meal. The bad road conditions, increased alcohol consumption, and an increased amount of drivers all increase the chances of DUI-related car accidents.
Tips to Avoid Getting a DUI on Thanksgiving Eve
Receiving a DUI conviction can have devastating long-term consequences. Many employers will not hire individuals with a DUI on their records. Additionally, a DUI conviction can negatively affect a person’s social life. In the short term, being pulled over by law enforcement and taken to prison is a terrible way to spend the Thanksgiving holiday. The NHTSA recommends the following tips for avoiding a DUI over Thanksgiving:
- Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before taking your first drink of alcohol.
- Use a taxi, rideshare service, a bus, or your community’s sober ride program to arrive home safely.
- Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app. This app allows users to call a taxi or friend to pick them up and identifies the location of the driver.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all children are properly restrained.
Contact Our Skilled DUI Defense Attorneys for Help
At Glasgow & Olsson, our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against DUI charges. If you are facing a DUI charge this Thanksgiving, contact our Chicago area law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
(image courtesy of Patrick Tomasso)