In the state of Wisconsin, hundreds of people die in drunk driving accidents every year. Other states have similar statistics, particularly around the holidays. To fight the epidemic of drinking and driving, some states, like Michigan, have launched initiatives to encourage people to drive sober or find a designated driver. If they don’t, they could be facing serious consequences for themselves and anyone else who was involved in the accident.
How have other states tried to combat drunk driving around the holidays?
Michigan has launched a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative that aims to reduce the amount of drunk driving during the holiday season. The police force will have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who’s caught driving while impaired. To reduce the risk of accidents, the police will also increase their highway patrols, so they can catch drunk drivers before they cause an accident.
According to the statistics, nearly half of all fatal car accidents in Michigan involved drugs or alcohol. Some people tend to drink more during the holidays while others feel like it’s safe to enjoy a drink or two when they wouldn’t normally consume alcohol. Either way, the roads become increasingly dangerous around Christmastime. Officers report more arrests, and attorneys have more cases involving criminal law/OWI and drug charges.
If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones during the holidays, never get behind the wheel of a vehicle when you’re not sober. This includes drinking alcohol and using legal or illegal drugs.
What if you get an OWI charge?
Whether guilty or innocent, everyone has the right to an attorney. Hiring a lawyer is the best thing you can do after you’ve received an OWI charge. Your attorney could negotiate for a lighter sentence or alternative penalties.