New Year’s Eve DWI, Stop It before They Stop You! 

According to (MADD) Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a nonprofit organization that seeks to stop drunk driving, 28 people are killed everyday by Drunk Drivers.  That’s one person killed every 51 minutes.  The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that forty percent of traffic-related deaths during the holiday season involve drunk drivers, an increase of over 33% as compared to the rest of the year.   

Thus, it is no mystery that Law Enforcement is out in full force to make DWI arrests during the Holiday season.  This year New Year’s Eve DWI arrests are expected to be an all-time high as Police agencies statewide publicize their “STOP DWI” initiatives:

• The Broome County STOP-DWI Program has created a Facebook page warning motorists of their New Years Eve DWI Crackdown.
• The Nassau and Suffolk County police announced they will have increased DWI patrols this New Year’s holiday.
• Dutchess and Putnam Counties announced they will also participate in the New York State STOP-DWI Program for the Holidays.

Locally, in Dutchess County, this means motorists will see an increased presence of Law Enforcement on the roads by the New York State Police, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement agencies on New Year’s Eve.

Please heed these warnings!  While it is legal to drink alcoholic beverages, it is illegal to be intoxicated and operate a motor vehicle.  Follow the warnings from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and plan ahead of your celebration by using a designated driver or public transportation.

The Holidays put an added risk for the Professional Drunk Driver.

Often, motorists are arrested for DWI after being involved in an automobile accident where another intoxicated driver was at fault.  Coined the “Professional Drunk” many people believe they can safely operate a motor vehicle while they’re slightly intoxicated.  During the holiday season when the number of DWI’s dramatically increases, these “Professional Drunk” drivers, on occasion through no fault of their own, fall victim to being involved in a traffic accident and subsequently end up arrested for DWI.

In New York State an ordinary DWI is a misdemeanor offense and if convicted you face the possibility of being sentenced to one (1) year in Jail, and/or three (3) years probation, the loss of your driving privileges, fines and surcharges.  If you are arrested for a New Year’s Eve DWI  or DWAI you need legal representation to protect your rights and explore your options.  Call my office today to schedule a free no obligation consultation to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.