Most Connecticut residents eagerly look forward to the holiday season. Extra time off from work or school and more time with friends and family are common joys for many people at this time of year. It is common for alcohol to be served at holiday celebrations and despite this being a social norm and widely accepted, it is interesting how many people can be chastized for then driving home after so doing when so many others do the same thing.
According to BACtrack, a manufacturer of breath alcohol content detection systems, the number of people arrested for and charged with impaired driving offenses generally increases over the holidays. Especially between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, drivers may expect to have a higher-than-average chance of being arrested for DUI crimes. This should give people reason to think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking over the holidays.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also explain that sobriety checkpoints are able to be set up and used in Connecticut as a way of actively seeking out alleged impaired drivers. Despite stereotypes that may abound, these drivers are not negligent and irresponsible people. Many are professionals who were simply on their way home from a holiday events with friends, family members or colleagues.
An arrest for drunk driving may result in the required use of an ignition interlock device, loss of driving privileges and more. Over the holiday season and other times as well, Connecticut residents should keep in mind the heightened awareness among law enforcement.