
As Thanksgiving approaches, many Ohioans prepare to hit the roads, spend time with loved ones, and celebrate the holiday. Unfortunately, this busy travel period also increases DUI/OVI incidents across the state.
If you plan to drink alcohol over the holiday weekend, here’s what you need to know about DUI enforcement, holiday traffic, and staying safe.
Ohio’s Thanksgiving Weekend DUI Statistics
Thanksgiving is one of the most heavily traveled holidays, increasing road risks. Here are some eye-opening stats from last year’s holiday:
- 12 Traffic Fatalities: Last Thanksgiving weekend, Ohio experienced 12 crash fatalities, with seven of these deaths involving impaired drivers.
- DUI Arrests Rise: In 2022, the Ohio State Highway Patrol made nearly 400 DUI arrests over Thanksgiving.
- Ohio’s Annual DUI-Related Fatalities: Roughly 30% of all traffic deaths in Ohio are linked to alcohol or drug impairment.
Understanding these numbers emphasizes the importance of safe driving practices over the holiday. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will have increased DUI enforcement, especially during peak travel times, aiming to curb these preventable deaths and injuries.
Safety Tips for Avoiding a DUI in Columbus This Thanksgiving
With a higher likelihood of encountering law enforcement this Thanksgiving, here are some effective strategies to stay safe and avoid a DUI:
Choose a Designated Driver
Plan ahead by designating a friend or family member to stay alcohol-free and be responsible for driving. This simple step can ensure everyone gets home safely and avoid the risks of impaired driving.
Use Rideshares
If you don’t have a sober driver, consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, which are easily accessible throughout Columbus. These services provide a safe and convenient alternative to driving under the influence.
Wear Your Seatbelt
Always buckle up before hitting the road—it’s one of the easiest ways to protect yourself in a crash. Not wearing a seatbelt could also lead to traffic stops and citations, especially with increased holiday enforcement. It’s also the law all throughout the state of Ohio.
Obey Speed Limits
With extra patrols on the roads, following speed limits is an effective way to stay out of trouble. Driving within speed limits helps you avoid fines and reduces the risk of accidents.
Resources for Safe Driving in Columbus
If you need help planning your trip or staying informed, here are a few resources available:
Ohio State Highway Patrol App
Download the Ohio State Highway Patrol App to receive real-time traffic updates, crash alerts, and information on road conditions. The app also includes a feature to report dangerous or impaired drivers, helping keep Ohio’s roads safer for everyone.
Ohio Traffic Safety Office
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office provides valuable educational resources and up-to-date data about DUI prevention and traffic safety. Their resources are designed to inform Ohio drivers about safe driving practices and the risks of impaired driving.
AAA Safe Ride Programs
Some local AAA branches offer free or discounted rides during holiday weekends as part of their Safe Ride Programs. This service helps ensure that you can get home safely if you’ve been drinking, providing an alternative to driving under the influence.
DUI/OVI in Ohio FAQs
What happens if I’m stopped for DUI/OVI in Ohio?
If law enforcement suspects you’re driving under the influence, they may ask you to perform field sobriety tests like walking in a straight line or standing on one leg to assess your coordination. They might also request a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test to measure your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Refusing these chemical tests can result in an automatic license suspension under Ohio’s implied consent law, with penalties that increase if you have prior refusals on record.
What penalties could I face for a DUI/OVI conviction in Ohio?
For a first DUI/OVI offense in Ohio, you may face a fine of up to $1,075, a jail sentence ranging from 3 days to 6 months, a license suspension lasting 6 months to 3 years, and adding 6 points to your driver’s license. If your BAC was particularly high, or if you have previous convictions, the penalties can increase significantly, possibly including extended jail time, longer license suspensions, higher fines, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs.
Can I get a DUI for prescription drugs or marijuana?
Yes, Ohio’s DUI/OVI laws apply to any substance that impairs your ability to drive safely, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana, even if it’s medically prescribed. If you’re found to be impaired by these substances, you can face the same penalties as someone driving under the influence of alcohol, including fines, jail time, and license suspension.
Is it possible to contest a DUI/OVI charge?
Yes, a DUI/OVI charge can be contested with the help of an experienced attorney. Common defenses include challenging the accuracy and handling of breath or blood tests, questioning the legality of the traffic stop, and examining whether the arresting officer followed proper procedures. In some cases, your lawyer might be able to negotiate a reduction in charges or even get the case dismissed if there were significant flaws in the evidence or process.
How can a DUI attorney assist me?
A skilled DUI attorney can review the details of your case, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. They may challenge test results, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, or argue for alternative sentencing to minimize the impact on your life. In some instances, a lawyer may even be able to get the charges dropped entirely, allowing you to avoid a conviction and its long-term consequences.
Need Help with a DUI/OVI Charge? Call Luftman, Heck & Associates
If you’re facing a DUI charge, don’t go it alone. Attorney Ben Luftman and his team at Luftman, Heck & Associates are available 24/7 to help you navigate your legal options and work toward the best possible outcome. Call (614) 254-5023 for a free consultation and get started on a strong defense today.