The Thanksgiving Holiday Brings a High Risk for Drunk Driving Accidents

Thanksgiving brings families together to share a meal and celebrate the holiday season. But, it is also tradition for friends to celebrate together the night before thanksgiving. With a longer weekend, more people are willing to celebrate by going to the bar the night before, and many of these celebrations include alcohol.

Read more: My Car Was Totaled and I’m Not at Fault: Now What?

The Night Before Thanksgiving Statistics

• Not only is there an increase in DUI charges over Thanksgiving weekend, but there is also an increase in car accidents.
• Over 800 Americans have lost their lives due to drinking and driving accidents over the last four years over Thanksgiving weekend.
• Over 51 million Americans travel a minimum of 50 miles away from home, adding in an element of not being familiar with the roads.

The night before Thanksgiving, also referred to as Black Wednesday, leads to an increase in drunk drivers on the road. This night is also one of the most popular drinking days of the year, including the most fatalities. Pennsylvania’s Health Secretary recently ordered that all alcoholic beverages sold at bars and restaurants to be shut down on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in an effort to slow the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

Read more: What Happens If You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Pennsylvania?

Increase in DUIs in Pennsylvania

In an attempt to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, many states have implemented awareness programs, while also increasing the number of police officers on the road. Some counties will even have checkpoints, where they will specifically be looking for drivers who are drinking and driving.

Police officers can usually identify a drunk driver, because of the slower reaction times. Even if you are below the Pennsylvania legal limit of 0.08%, you could still be arrested for driving under the influence.

Legal Consequences of DUI Charges in Pennsylvania

A driving while intoxicated, or DUI, driving under the influence charges, in Pennsylvania can lead to severe consequences. Just a few of the potential legal consequences include:

• Legal fines
• Arrested and booked
• Required drug or alcohol addiction classes
• Suspended license
• Required probation or community service
• Jail time

Additionally, a DWI charge can stay on your record for many years to come. It may show up if a background check is pulled, whether you are looking for a job or trying to obtain a professional license. It is important to take any potential DUI charges seriously and reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Your Options Following a Thanksgiving DUI

Driving while under the influence is dangerous. It reduces reaction time and can easily lead to a car accident. Even if you are not initially caught, you could cause an accident in which you are charged. It can also be a dangerous night to be out on, even if you are not drinking. Other drivers on the road who are drinking may cause an accident, which leads to your own injuries.

If you were the victim of a driving while under the influence car accident, it may also be useful to discuss your case with a lawyer. A lawyer can help you evaluate your options, and fight to get you the compensation that you need to recover. Don’t let a night of entertainment ruin the rest of your life. Plan ahead while also considering the consequences of a DUI charge.

Contact an Experienced Millcreek DWI Defense Attorney About Your Drunk Driving Charges in Pennsylvania

Have you been charged with a DWI or DUI offense in Pennsylvania? A drunk driving conviction could leave you with a permanent record, and it could result in your driver’s license being suspended for a very long time. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified DWI defense lawyer about your case. The lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. represent clients charged with drunk driving, breath test refusal, and related offenses in Erie, Millcreek, Harborcreek, Fairview, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 814-402-8826 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office located at 2525 W 26th St. Erie, PA 16506, in addition to offices located in Meadville and North East, PA.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.