Operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) charges can result from a driver’s involvement in a car crash or a one-on-one encounter with police officers. Regardless of why they get arrested, they are at risk of a variety of penalties. OVI convictions can lead to fines and imprisonment or probation. Driver’s license suspensions are also standard.
People accused of OVI offenses can defend themselves by taking the case to trial. However, most people likely prefer to avoid an OVI arrest to begin with instead of fighting charges after an encounter with law enforcement. There are certain scenarios that may see an elevated chance of an OVI arrest. Holiday weekends and summer travel may increase the risk of OVI charges.
What causes the correlation between enjoyable experiences and drunk driving charges?
Choices during summer vacation
People enjoying time off from work or relaxing with their children while they are away from school may travel. They may also plan staycations where they enjoy some of the attractions near them while taking time off from their responsibilities and staying home.
In either scenario, adults may indulge in a few alcoholic beverages as they relax and enjoy their time with their loved ones. Unfortunately, especially if they are in an unfamiliar area or driving a rental car, they may feel compelled to drive back to their hotel after drinking.
They could then potentially draw the attention of police officers on patrol. Out-of-state and rental vehicle plates often attract the attention of law enforcement professionals, as they are well aware of people’s tendency to integrate alcohol into their vacations.
Traditions around the holidays
The summer holidays are notorious for being some of the most dangerous days for drunk driving. Many popular celebratory traditions involve alcohol. People hosting friends and family for barbecues often serve copious amounts of alcohol to their guests.
Memorial Day, Labor Day and Fourth of July get-togethers often feature chilled beers or surprisingly strong cocktails. People trying to return home after those celebrations may underestimate their level of intoxication. They could then cause crashes or draw the attention of law enforcement professionals. The increased rate of fatal drunk driving crashes around the holidays inspires more enforcement efforts than usual. Police officers are usually on high alert around the holidays.
Especially in situations where OVI enforcement is a current priority for local police departments, people may end up unfairly accused of drunk driving. An OVI charge can ruin the summer vacation or forever change a person’s perspective on summertime holidays.
Recognizing that increased enforcement is common around the holidays and during summer vacation could help people avoid mistakes that could affect their lives for years to come. Those facing holiday or vacation OVI charges may need help developing defense strategies that allow them to minimize their long-term consequences, and that’s okay.