Drunk driving tends to be more common in the summer, leading to an increase in accidents and arrests. While DWI arrests occur all year round, and there is never a season where they don’t happen, some studies have found a slight increase during the summer months.
For instance, if you look at fatal DUI accidents, you’ll find that there are about three hundred more in the summer than there are in the fall or the spring. The winter tends to have the fewest number of DUI accidents. But why is drunk driving more common in the summer?
Longer days lead to more socialization
One reason is that the days are simply longer, so people tend to stay out longer and be more active. This can lead to more social events with friends, which can in turn lead to more drunk driving. The shorter winter days see people staying home more, which reduces the number of drunk drivers on the roads.
Numerous holidays revolve around food and drink
Another potential contributor is that the summer contains a lot of holidays that seem to go hand-in-hand with drinking. People may have a few drinks at a summer barbecue on the 4th of July, Memorial Day or Labor Day. You’ll often see spikes in DWI arrests around the weekends that are closest to these holidays.
Moreover, even those who aren’t technically celebrating a holiday may be more likely to travel, take time off work or take trips where drinking is just part of the social atmosphere. High school students and college students are also out of class, meaning that they tend to drive more and have more free time, which can also lead to an increase in DWI arrests.
If you’re facing DWI charges this year, you’re likely very concerned about what it’s going to mean for your future. You need to be aware of your criminal defense options.
