From 2013 to 2017, 234 people died because of drunk driving accidents during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend – 59 people lost their lives in 2017 alone. Due to the increased level of danger on the road, police throughout the Garden State will be conducting an increased number of DUI checkpoints to keep others safe from potential drunk drivers.
Fortunately, the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone has compiled some need-to-know information about avoiding a DUI this St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Avoiding a Potential DUI
People who are going to take part in the upcoming festivities should follow these tips to avoid getting a DUI this weekend:
- Get A Ride: People who get behind the wheel after drinking any amount of alcohol put themselves and others in danger. It is best to avoid drinking and driving at all costs. The best way to do this is by finding someone else to drive you, whether it is a designated driver or an Uber/Lyft.
- Be Careful When Mixing Alcohol with Medication: If you use prescription drugs or any type of drug for that matter, drinking even the smallest amount of alcohol could cause you to become extremely intoxicated. Drivers who engage in this type of behavior should be aware of the increased risk of impairment and avoid driving.
- Look Out for Others: Make sure the people you’re with don’t get behind the wheel either. If possible, find them or give them a ride home (if you are sober!). Be on the lookout for pedestrians too, as they could also be intoxicated from the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. In 2017, 32 percent of pedestrians killed in accidents had blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or higher.
Penalties for DUI in New Jersey
New Jersey has some pretty harsh penalties for drunk drivers. If your blood alcohol content is over 0.08%, you can face jail time, a suspended license, hefty fines, and a possible ignition interlock placed on your car. But what happens if you get into an accident while drinking over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday in New Jersey?
You should know that you will be facing severe consequences. If the accident caused a bodily injury, you will be charged with Assault By Auto which is a disorderly person’s offense. The penalties all depend on the severity of the injuries and where the accident happened.
If someone dies in a drunk driving accident, the charges could be even more severe. This is considered Death by Auto or Vessel, more commonly referred to as vehicular homicide which comes with a prison sentence of more than three years with no eligibility for parole.
Drunk driving can be easily avoidable this St. Patrick’s Day. If you are drinking a little too much, find a ride and be careful. Don’t chance your freedom.
If you were charged with a DUI, you are going to need an experienced attorney on your side. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone at 201-762-8956 to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to helping you.