The 4th of July is notorious for DUIs. In fact, on this day -- our nation's independence day -- DUIs are one of the major causes of vehicle accidents and deaths.
DUIs are a problem every day of the year. In 2012 there were 10,322 deaths involving drunk driving, which represented nearly one-third of all vehicle deaths that year. From 2008 to 2012, 4th of July vehicle deaths totaled at least 765 people.
If you must drive at night on the 4th of July, keep in mind that DUI rates rise dramatically at night, in fact 2.5 times higher.
If you are drinking, also keep in mind that local police will utilize checkpoints more regularity during the holidays. The police know the rates of DUIs are dramatically higher and will therefore work dramatically harder to catch DUI drivers.
Remember, the best way to defeat a DUI charge is to not get one in the first place. Just get a ride. But if you do get pulled over for a DUI, remember that most important thing you can do is to be cooperative. This will make the whole process much easier. Cooperative does not mean 'spill the beans' to the police or to make incriminating statements, which you should never make without speaking to an attorney first. Cooperative simply means not getting into a verbal (or physical) altercation with police. I have seen many clients who could have beat a DUI charge if only they would have kept their mouth shut and remain calm.
So, in sum, if you are driving over the 4th of July holiday, keep in mind that the roads will contain a higher amount of drunk drivers. If you are one of those drunk drivers, stop driving and get a ride. That way, you won't need a DUI attorney.
