It may be difficult to believe, but the end of summer is drawing near, and with it comes one of the busiest travel periods of the year – Labor Day weekend. Labor Day weekend is also one of the deadliest weekends of the year for motorists. Increased traffic on the nation’s roadways combined with an increased tendency to drive under the influence puts everyone on the nation’s roadways at an increased risk of serious harm. Law enforcement agencies across the country also know this which is why they dramatically ramp up their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign efforts during the weeks leading up to Labor Day weekend. The DUI defense attorneys at Petersen Law Office offer tips to help you avoid getting injured or arrested over the Labor Day weekend.
Labor Day Week-End Facts and Figures
According to the Department of Labor, Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 and “is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Over a century later, the Labor Day week-ends typically marks the end of summer and offers an opportunity for friends and family to spend one last three-day weekend together enjoying the warm weather before the days turn cooler and the children become wrapped up in school work again.
The National Safety Council (NSC) tell us that over each Labor Day weekend an average of 400 Americans are involved in fatal car accidents. An additional 49,000 people will experience non-fatal medically consulted injuries (injuries serious enough to seek medical care) over a typical Labor Day weekend. Between 2008 and 2013, the NSC identified an 8.9 percent increase in fatal car accidents on Labor Day weekends compared to a non-holiday weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Memorial Day weekend is actually the deadliest summer weekend for motorists, with an average of 312 fatal accidents per year over the period 2011 to 2015, followed by Labor Day weekend with 308 fatalities and the Fourth of July with 307.
It isn’t difficult to figure out why Labor Day weekend creates an increased risk to motorists. The combination of a significantly increased number of vehicles on the roadways with a corresponding increase in the likelihood of a motorist consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel creates a potent, and potentially deadly, scenario.
How Does the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Impact You?
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is a nationwide effort aimed at preventing drunk driving. At the federal level, the NHTSA oversees the campaign efforts; however, the individual states typically contribute as well. For 2018, enforcement efforts will be increased from August 15th through September 3rd, according to the NHTSA, because of the holiday weekend. Consequently, you can expect to be inundated with television commercials, radio advertisements, and billboards along the nation’s highways with the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” theme. You can also count on seeing an increased law enforcement presence along the roadways during that time period.
Tips for Staying Safe and Out Of Jail
If you cannot avoid driving over the Labor Day weekend, consider the following tips that may help keep you safe and out of jail:
- If you plan to consume alcohol, make sure you first make plans to spend the night at your family or friend’s house.
- Remember that driving under the influence (DUI) also includes driving under the influence of a controlled substance, including marijuana. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you are safe because you have not consumed alcohol if, instead, you have ingested marijuana or another controlled substance.
- Avoiding driving during peak traffic periods, such as Labor Day evening.
- Download the Uber and/or Lyft app and make use of it if you find yourself without a designated driver and absolutely must leave your current location.
Contact DUI Defense Attorneys at Petersen Law Office
If you wind up under arrest, despite your best efforts to avoid ending up in jail, it is always in your best interest to consult directly with a DUI defense attorney about the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Contact the Nebraska DUI lawyers at Petersen Law Office 24 hours a day at 402-513-2180 to discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense lawyer.