Over the New Year's holiday weekend between December 28 and January 2, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials arrested a total of 1,140 suspected drunk drivers throughout the state.
While this year's number is an increase from last year's 936 DUI arrests over a 78-hour period, CHP Officer Juan Galvan told the Los Angeles Times that the holiday span was a day longer since Tuesday was New Year's Day.
Tragically, 32 vehicle occupants and four pedestrians were involved in fatal car accidents. Last New Year's weekend, 23 individuals lost their lives in car collisions.
However, the CHP's maximum enforcement period over the New Year's Eve holiday was not considered the deadliest in California. The deadliest enforcement period last year was during the Thanksgiving holiday—beginning on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving Day (also known as “Blackout Wednesday”).
Since ringing in the New Year with friends and family often involves alcohol consumption, it is considered one of the deadliest holidays in the year. In comparison to an average weekend night, there is an increase of 71 percent more collisions with alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor between 6 p.m. on December 31 and 6 a.m. on January 1, according to SafeAuto.com. New Year's Day is the second most fatal day for motor vehicle drivers with an average of 140 deaths
If you have been charged with a DUI over the holiday weekend, do not start off the new year on the wrong foot. Our Ventura criminal defense attorney at Wilfert Law P.C. understands what it takes to protect your rights and get the most positive results possible.
Contact us and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with our experienced legal team today.