Police departments typically have at least a few officers on duty at any given time. However, there are times when there is a greater need for more officers on duty. In situations where local authorities can reasonably predict an uptick in dangerous or illegal behavior, they may seek to proactively address the matter by scheduling more officers for work.
Frequently, police departments may schedule more officers for traffic patrol at times when there is a statistical likelihood of drunk drivers. The late winter and early spring months often see increased enforcement actions on certain days when drunk drivers are more likely to be on the road.
What are some of the days when drivers can expect to see more police officers on patrol?
Popular holidays
Many of the major holidays have traditions that relate to drinking. Enjoying a toast of sparkling wine at midnight is a common New Year’s Eve celebration tradition. The summer holidays often see people drinking at barbecues.
Some holidays, like St. Patrick’s Day, have celebrations that almost exclusively focus on alcohol. Drinking whiskey and beer dyed green in a standard St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Unfortunately, the way people celebrate translates to dozens of preventable drunk driving deaths every year. Holidays when people drink tend to see more sobriety checkpoints and officers out on the road to deter bad choices.
Major sporting events
The Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated events of the winter. Groups of people gather at private residences and sports bars to cheer for their favorite team and enjoy plenty of alcohol. Some people have similar habits during any game featuring their favorite team or sport.
If people try to drive home on nights when there has been a local sporting event or a major national televised event, they may have a higher chance of encountering an officer on the way home. Increased drunk driving enforcement can deter some people from making bad choices. It may also result in some people getting arrested unfairly because officers reach the wrong conclusion during a traffic stop.
Those facing impaired driving charges often need help responding effectively. Factors including a driver’s record and the reason for the traffic stop can influence the best defense strategy. Those accused of drunk driving may be able to avoid a conviction with the right support.
