Kentucky law enforcement warns drunk drivers during holidays

National holidays are a time for celebration in Kentucky, and for many the act of celebrating includes drinking alcoholic beverages, sometimes to excess. Holidays such as Memorial Day, The Fourth of July and Labor Day may see even more of this behavior as families and friends enjoy the activities of the warmer months of the year.

Unfortunately, for some people it can be hard to know precisely where the line is between sober and intoxicated; by the time a person feels drunk, he or she can already be well above the legal limit to drive. Couple that temptation with the fact that one of the first mental faculties that alcohol affects is judgment, and you get a potentially dangerous combination that can lead to the further temptation to drive while still intoxicated.

During the days surrounding any holiday, Kentucky law enforcement officials have the responsibility to catch drunk drivers on the roadways, and in some cases to assist in getting victims to medical treatment.

But these same officials are serious in their efforts to help drivers to avoid traffic citations, injuries and deaths by encouraging everyone to take common-sense measures before getting behind the wheel. Whether on holidays or any day of the year, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety promotes recommendations for safe driving, which include designating a driver, taking the keys from someone who may be intoxicated and planning ahead.

However, drivers who are pulled over and arrested for drunk driving during the holidays may not even realize they are over the legal limit. Some people may think that because they don’t have to drive far or in crowded areas that they can get to their destination safely, even if they are drunk. There are also people who simply made a bad choice.

During holiday weekends, which often come with ramped up enforcement efforts, it is more likely that a person will be stopped by an officer. Even the most minor offense, from a seat belt violation to turning without using a signal, can catch the attention of a police officer who is looking for any reason to stop people. If you are pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving, or find yourself charged with a similar crime, it is important to remember your rights; speaking with an attorney can help in this regard.

Source: WKYT, “Fourth of July holiday sees spike in drunk driving crashes,” July 2, 2014