The Fourth of July is almost upon us, and soon North Carolina residents will be celebrating the country’s 249th birthday. Many of those celebrations will likely include alcoholic beverages as refreshment.
While there is nothing wrong with having a little fun and sharing some cold ones with friends and family, anyone who drinks and drives risks a charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Below is some helpful information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that could help you avoid a DWI conviction.
National campaign launched
Sponsored by the NHTSA, the “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving” campaign will be in full force for the Fourth of July. Law enforcement relies on federal grants to swell their ranks over long holiday weekends dedicated to apprehending intoxicated drivers.
This campaign seeks to reduce the number of deaths attributed to impaired drivers. Over the past five years, 2,653 people lost their lives in Fourth of July weekend collisions. In at least 40% of those cited cases, those behind the wheel were legally intoxicated.
You don’t have to be staggering drunk to be impaired
People sometimes make the mistake of having the least drunk person in their party drive them home. But this is a recipe for disaster, as even one drink can impair a motorist to the point that they can’t safely pilot a motor vehicle.
Tests have shown that even one or two drinks or beers can impair driving ability, as a blood alcohol concentration of .02% (well under the legal limit of .08%) affects the ability to multitask behind the wheel.
Know your rights if arrested
If you get charged with DWI, you should invoke your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and remain silent until you have spoken with your defense counsel.
