Holiday Traffic Fatality Concerns See Spike in Enforcement Efforts

Concerns over safety prompted the Commonwealth of Virginia to step up its police presence on the highways over Thanksgiving weekend this year. According to reports, the past year has seen an increase in death tolls on Virginia’s highways. Additionally, the highly publicized dangers of driving Thanksgiving weekend have caused concern as well. Whether the increased danger of the road this time of year is because of the widely known Blackout Wednesday phenomenon, the higher traffic volume in general, or a combination of both, the fact of the matter is that the police were out in force recently.

Twin Risks of Reckless Driving and DUI

As a result of both the high traffic volume and the increased enforcement measures, it is expected that by the time the holidays are over, we will see an increase in DUI and reckless driving charges throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

DUI

As the link above suggests, the night before Thanksgiving, or “Blackout Wednesday,” is a big night for the bar business. This is likely because many young people are returning home for the weekend and want to see friends the night before spending time with the family. For the same reason, few people entertain at home that night. Big nights for bars also mean big nights for DUI enforcement. The high volume can result in long waits for taxis. Combined with the impatience and bravado of certain young drivers, this can be a very tempting night to try to drive home after having one too many drinks.

Unfortunately, this means that some people will end up in accidents. And other more lucky individuals may be stopped before they can get in an accident. Whether it be by a checkpoint or by a roving patrol vehicle, the police vigilantly look for drunk drivers on the night before Thanksgiving.

The consequences of a DUI arrest can be long lasting and costly. They can include suspension of your driver’s license, fines, probation, and possible jail time depending on the circumstances.

Reckless Driving

It can be frustrating driving in winter traffic, and there can often be a temptation to make reckless or aggressive maneuvers in order to get ahead. If you do this, you risk the possibility of a reckless driving charge. In Virginia, this is a more serious charge than in other states. As some out-of-state visitors are bound to find out the hard way, a reckless driving charge in Virginia is actually a criminal offense. It carries steep fines and the possibility of probation, in addition to the potential for license suspension. Besides this, there is the additional fact that as a criminal matter, it goes on your personal record as a misdemeanor. It is not just a concern for your insurance rates, but also for your potential employment prospects.

Contact a Virginia DUI or Reckless Driving Attorney Today

If you were swept up in the increased traffic enforcement measures in Virginia, you need the help of a skilled attorney who specializes in these matters. Whether you were stopped for a DUI, reckless driving, or a simple traffic infraction, you have rights that need to be protected. Contact the Leesburg attorneys at Simms Showers today. Whatever your legal issue, our experienced attorneys dedicate a large part of their practice to defending people accused of traffic related offenses. We know the vehicle code inside and out and, with the help of our experts, we can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and provide you with the best possible legal representation. Do not let a careless mistake over the weekend follow you around for the rest of your life. Call us today and let us fight your case.