Don't Drink And Drive This Fourth Of July

The Fourth of July is upon us again. In San Jose, outdoor activities are at their apex and so are the alcoholic beverages consumed by the patriotic revelers.

Unfortunately, the holidays are a deadly time to be on the road. Every year, hundreds of Americans die as a result of alcohol-related car crashes. The Fourth of July has repeatedly ranked as the deadliest holiday of the year -- even deadlier than New Year's Day.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been tracking car crash statistics for a quarter of a century. Fourth of July almost always tops the list. Statistics gathered over the past 25 years show that, on average, nearly 51 percent of all deadly traffic crashes on July 4 are related to alcohol - although that percentage varies from year to year. Other holidays on the list include Labor Day, New Year's, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The NHTSA research has consistently shown that more people are killed in crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver on the weekends and at night. In 2008 alone, 58 percent of drivers and motorcycle riders were killed in alcohol-related crashes that took place over the weekend and at night. But no matter what day it is, most crash fatalities occur on two-lane roads. Also, more people die while driving in rain compared to snow or sleet.

So now that we have your attention, think twice before you engage in such activities. But, if you or someone you know happens to get a DUI this Independence Day, be fully aware that you will be facing severe penalties that will make you wish you heeded the warning. If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut at 408-298-6990 for assistance with your San Jose DUI matter.