While enjoying summer barbecues, concerts and other festivities, you may inadvertently drink enough for your blood alcohol concentration to climb above 0.08%. This is typically the legal threshold for drunk driving charges in the Magnolia State.
Law enforcement agencies conduct DUI patrols throughout the year. However, drunk driving on certain days is particularly risky. Memorial Day weekend kicks off a summer of heightened DUI enforcement in communities across the state. Last year, officers arrested 159 suspected drunk drivers between Friday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend.
Increased DUI patrols
As the old saying goes, it is easier to shoot fish in a barrel. When it comes to DUI enforcement, the same logic applies. That is, law enforcement agencies maintain records that reflect when most DUI arrests happen. They use this data to increase patrols on known popular drinking days. Put simply, if you drive drunk on any of the following summer days, you are probably more susceptible to a DUI arrest:
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
Mississippi towns and cities have dozens of festivals, fairs and other community events. These take place at various times throughout the summer and into the fall. In addition to major summertime holidays, you may also encounter increased DUI patrols during these events.
A safety strategy
While there are usually many ways to defend against DUI charges, you probably want to avoid an arrest altogether. Therefore, when planning your summertime festivities, you should think about finding a designated driver. If one is not available, you should consider using a ride-hailing service or doing your drinking at home.
If you are facing DUI charges, it is important to defend yourself aggressively. After all, a drunk driving conviction is apt to carry with it a variety of penalties. By understanding when law enforcement agencies typically step up enforcement during summer months, you minimize your risk of a DUI arrest.