Hochman & Goldin PA would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! St. Patrick’s Day brings a wealth of entertaining traditions: wearing green, eating corned beef and cabbage… and, of course, drinking. Common St. Patrick’s Day drinks include green-tinted lager, traditional Guinness Stout and Irish whiskeys like Jameson. It’s fun to indulge, but, if you do, make sure that you do not become one of St. Patrick’s Day’s unfortunate DUI statistics.
Authorities say that there is a dramatic uptick of alcohol-related incidents on St. Patrick’s Day each year. Florida recorded nearly 700 drunken-driving deaths in 2012, according to the latest statistics available. That figure rose 4 percent from the year before and represented about 30 percent of all traffic deaths.
Because of the dangers associated with drunk driving, law enforcement officers set up a large number of DUI check points throughout Miami on St. Patrick’s Day each year. A DUI arrest can be expensive. Some officials estimate that, between fines and fees, each arrest can cost you $5000 or more. A first DUI conviction will result in losing your license for six months to one year. Second and third convictions lead to stiffer penalties. Penalties are also much higher for DUI accidents. DUIs can cause your car insurance rates to increase, as well, costing you hundreds of dollars a year.
Protect yourself and others from becoming DUI statistics on St. Patrick’s Day. If you are going out, choose a designated driver to stay sober and get everyone home safe. Alternately, you can travel by cab to and from your destination. If bar-hopping is part of your plan, choose an area where that is possible by foot. Additionally, remember that Florida is on the list of states with Tow-To-Go services as a free, last effort for those with no other alternative options for getting home safe.
For more information, speak to a Miami Traffic Lawyer today by calling 305-665-1000.