DUI arrests on the rise during holiday weekends

The unofficial start to summer is almost upon us. Studies show that 88.1 percent of travelers drove to their destinations during Memorial Day 2017. This year's numbers promise to be the same.

With DUI arrests an issue, law enforcement will be on the road to help keep everyone safe with sobriety checkpoints. It's no surprise that DUI arrests tend to be at an all-time high during holiday weekends.

Read on to learn just how dangerous holiday weekends can be and how to safely navigate the road.

Memorial Day Traffic Is Deadly

Memorial Day is notorious for being one of the most dangerous days to drive. With so many people traveling during the holiday, DUI's and crashes are not uncommon. In fact, 495 people were arrested for DUI's in Arizona on Memorial Day 2014.

There are also conversations that the economy might have a role to play in these holiday accident statistics. According to CNN.com, a healthy economy may make the roads dangerous because it contributes to people being able to purchase and drive more cars.

Additionally, people feel encouraged to drive more due to the nice weather. As a result, more people are on the roads. Consider enrolling in a defensive driving class to help you keep yourself safe on the road.

Expect DUI Checkpoints

Nobody likes being pulled over. However, it's extremely important that you keep calm during this time and handle the stop respectfully. We recommend reviewing the traffic laws where you will be driving so that you are aware of any different regulations.

The first thing you'll want to do when you see those lights flashing is to pull over right away. You'll want to move slowly to the right of the road. Be courteous to the officer and cooperate with their requests. Hand over your car registration, insurance proof, and license upon request.

If you've been pulled over for a DUI, prepare to undergo a sobriety test. Plan to contact an attorney for legal assistance.

Don't Drink and Drive

The amount of traffic and long travel times make many drivers irate. Add alcohol to the mix and you have a potentially deadly combination. You bring harm not only to yourself but endanger everyone around you.

Unfortunately, DUIs are commonplace during holiday periods even though getting arrested for driving under the influence is something that is avoidable. Plan ahead before you leave your home to travel for Memorial Day weekend. For instance, if you're going to a place where you'll be drinking, have a designated driver in place or use a ride-sharing service. Another option is to stay overnight at a friend's house or at a hotel. The point is to avoid a terrible end to your holiday weekend by getting arrested with a DUI or worse yet, fatally injuring someone.

Nonetheless, if you're pulled over and are arrested with a DUI, you'll have to deal with the legal implications of your actions. This is a serious misdemeanor charge. Prepare to be in jail awaiting arraignment longer than usual since the courts will be closed during holidays.

As part of your charge, the court may order you to enroll in a DUI class. If that is the case, you'll want to look into what options you have, either in person or online, depending on your state.

Online Alcohol Classes Help with DUI Arrests

Memorial Day can be exceptionally dangerous but being on the road during any big holiday will need some preparing. Building good habits now can make sure you're safe on the road all the time.

If you've been pulled over for a DUI, contact us to learn how we can help you with our online courses, from our DUI school to our counseling center.

NM Online Educationis a premier defensive driving, DUI school, and alcohol and drug evaluation counseling center. We provide a wide variety of online classes to satisfy your court or DMV requirements. Offering classes in ALL 50 states, we're a leader in U.S. distance learning programs.