Now that summer is here, many people will be going out for picnics and making trips to nearby rivers and lakes. Since people tend to have more free time during the summer months, the roads are generally much busier with drivers, some of whom have had a few too many alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel of their motor vehicle. In addition to increased traffic, summer is also the time of year that law enforcement agencies increase the presence of officers who are on the lookout for DUIs, distracted driving, speeding, and other traffic violations that threaten the safety of the public. In this blog, we explain why DUI arrests increase during the summer time.
Drinking Alcohol in the Heat
It’s important to closely monitor your alcohol consumption when drinking in the hot the summer weather. The heat causes us to lose more of our fluids when we sweat, which makes people want to consume cold beverages more quickly. Drinking alcohol in high temperatures acts as a diuretic that drains our bodies of the fluids they need most. When alcoholic beverages are consumed too fast in high temperature weather, people can reach a higher level of intoxication without even realizing it. If you are going to drink alcohol this summer, you should alternate your drinks with water so that you don’t become dehydrated or succumb to other serious heat-related illnesses.
Blood Alcohol Concentration
A person’s BAC fluctuates each time they consume alcohol. When people are drinking more alcohol to quench their thirst, their BAC can dramatically increase in a short period of time. While the rate at which you consume alcohol is a significant contributor to your BAC, the strength of the alcohol itself also has a major impact. Drinks with higher alcohol concentrations can cause your pyloric valve to seize, which can delay alcohol absorption for hours. Drinks with a smaller amount of alcohol content can usually be absorbed far more quickly. Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products can also delay a person’s ability to fully absorb alcohol.
Increased Patrols
During the summer, fairs, concerts, festivals, and sporting events gain a substantial amount of attention from the public and often draw large crowds of people. In addition to the big crowds, such events also receive a lot of attention from various law enforcement agencies. Police increase patrols at these events in the summer time and are particularly on the lookout for drivers and boat operators under the influence of alcohol and drugs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “a higher volume of holiday travelers, including a significantly higher number of alcohol-impaired drivers, cause nearly twice the number of automotive deaths during summer months than during the rest of the year combined.” If you plan to attend any large public events this summer, closely monitor the amount of alcohol you consume and use a designated driver if you are too drunk to drive. Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are also good options to use if you have had too much to drink.
Speak With an Experienced DUI Lawyer
If you or a loved one ends up getting arrested for DUI this summer, immediately contact our team of Denver DUI attorneys to discuss your legal options. Our friendly team of legal professionals can review your case and determine a strategy to secure a positive outcome. We have the specific knowledge, training, and passion you need to overcome the charges against you.
Call (720)-619-2676 to schedule a free case consultation today.