Police departments across New Jersey will be on high alert over the St. Patrick's Day holiday. Alcohol-related festivities are popular during St. Patrick’s Day and this holiday is also a busy time for New Jersey DUI lawyers.
According to a recently released study by Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc., the incidence of drunk driving around St. Patrick's Day doubles when the holiday falls on a Saturday. According to the data, when the St. Patrick's Day holiday falls in the middle of the week, drunk driving violations increase by approximately 10%. However, when the holiday falls on a weekend, violations increase by more than 100%. This year, the much-loved holiday will fall on a Saturday, increasing the risks of accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation Interagency Task Force on Drunk Driving (ITFDD), St. Patrick's Day is second only to Halloween in terms of the number of DUI arrests in the state.
In some parts of New Jersey, aggressive DUI enforcement targeted to underage drinkers, who are the most at-risk group for DUI, has already begun. Burlington County health officials have launched a Sticker Shock campaign geared toward cautioning adults against buying liquor for anyone below the age of 21. The campaign includes the participation of Burlington County teen advocacy groups, anti-drunk driving groups and community leaders.
NJ DUI Attorneys Recommend Designated Drivers
New Jersey laws provide for strong punishment of persons driving under the influence. To avoid a DUI arrest this St. Patrick’s Day, designate a driver before you head out for the evening. Alternatively, make arrangements to stay overnight at the party venue to avoid the risk of a DUI arrest. If you are arrested for DUI, consult an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer for assistance.
The New Jersey DUI lawyers at Helmer Paul Conley and Kasselman represent persons charged with DUI and facing license suspension across New Jersey.
