Here’s Why DUI Arrests Increase During Summer

Binge drinking, summer holiday celebrations, and increased patrols are all factors that lead to an increase in DUI arrests each year. The warm weather provides inviting driving conditions that may encourage drivers to take risks. Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) indicates that the number of crimes reported nationwide increases by 12% in the summer.

Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is common when people gather in groups. It so happens that summer weather encourages social gatherings and outdoor events. It is during these events that people lose control and engage in drinking games. Some of them end up driving vehicles, leading to DUI charges and the need for a criminal attorney.

Summer Holidays

Many Americans celebrate summer holidays by going to beaches and public spaces where drinks are flowing. Meanwhile, long weekends like the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day are associated with drunk driving and top the statistics for road accidents.

Inviting Driving Conditions

The rain and snow in the spring and winter make people reluctant to drive under the influence. In contrast, the clear weather in the summer makes individuals feel confident that they can drive after a few drinks. The false sense of security leads to intoxicated persons taking the wheel.

Night Accidents

The NCVS data indicates that over 50% of the accidents that happen at night involve alcohol intoxication. In the summer, most people stay out late into the night due to the favorable weather. This increases the amount of driving that happens at night, leading to more traffic accidents.

Underage Drinking

Learning institutions are closed during the summer, providing ample time for college and high school students to engage in mischief. Many of them form gatherings and frequent clubs where they try alcohol. Some of them get caught driving under the influence while going home.

Increased Patrols

Because DUI incidences increase in the summer, law enforcement agencies intensify patrols accordingly. There are more traffic officers on the road in the summer vigilantly looking for intoxicated drivers. 

Due to the high risk of DUI arrests in the summer, it helps to have the number of a criminal attorney to assist with DUI charges.   

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

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