Fourth of July DUI Arrests on the Increase in 2014

Police checkpoints and DUI patrols continue to target drunk drivers throughout the country. Arizona is no exception, and although you can expect more and more attention to impaired drivers at any time during the year, holidays are a particular focus for local and state law enforcement.

The state reports that highway patrol officers, local police, and sheriff’s deputies arrested more than 530 people on various DUI charges during the recent July 4 weekend. This represents an increase of about 27% over the number of arrests during the 2013 Independence Day holiday.

As most of our readers are aware, not all DUI arrests are equal in terms of the nature of the charge, and the potential penalties. The recent arrests include a variety of related charges, including underage drinking and driving, up by over 25%. And arrests for DUI drugs were up by almost 75% over last year. Increases were also seen in the number of aggravated DUI charges, extreme DUI, second and subsequent DUI arrests, and average blood alcohol content (BAC). The average BAC was above 0.15 this year, beyond the threshold for extreme DUI.

With all the news reports about increased enforcement, one might expect that people would be more careful, and some may be surprised at the increase in arrests, which were, this year, quite significant. In fact, however, the reason for the increase may well have little to do with the number of drunk (or drugged) drivers on the road. Rather, the increase may be a function of increases in funding, which led to a corresponding increase in the number of officers assigned to DUI-related posts.

During the July 4 holiday last year, just under 1,500 officers and deputies took part in DUI saturation patrols. This year, the number stood at more than 2,200, up by a whopping 55%! This was due, at least in part, to between $3 and $4 million in federal and state funding.

If you are out on the road at any time, but particularly during holidays, you can continue to expect increased enforcement efforts targeting drivers suspected of being under the influence.

The Feldman Law Firm PLLC
1 E. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 540-7887

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