With upcoming summer celebrations and vacations, many New York residents are enjoying warm-weather activities like barbecues and picnics. As these gatherings are likely to include alcoholic beverages, it’s important to realize that now is a time for increased driving dangers and the risk of DWI charges.
Known colloquially as the “100 Deadliest Days,” the days bookended by Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day are considered especially dangerous for several reasons. Read on to learn more.
It’s a celebratory time
There are lots of holidays within this timespan — Memorial Day, Flag Day and our 250th national birthday, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. All these celebrations tend to be enjoyed along with a cold beer or other alcoholic libation. But consumption spells trouble on the roads.
The traffic volume swells
Families and individuals swarm the highways on their way to vacation destinations, making driving more challenging. This is also the time for road repair crews to be out in force, lowering speed limits in some areas and increasing gridlock.
Lots of young drivers on the roads
Teenagers with their newly issued driver’s licenses are also exploring their newfound freedom behind the wheel. Their inexperience can be magnified if alcohol or drugs are thrust into the mix.
Law enforcement has robust response
Police officers are out in full force to enforce New York’s DWI laws now. Special grants and other funding get tapped to put more law enforcement officers on patrol for speeders and drunken drivers. Drinking even one beer enhances your risk of arrest on drunken driving charges.
Motorists, if you get stopped on suspicion of DWI, please know that the case against you begins with the traffic stop. Knowing your rights and responsibilities under New York law could improve your chances of avoiding arrest and/or conviction.