The months between the Memorial Day weekend in May and Labor Day in September are collectively referred to as the “100 deadliest days of summer.” While many of us have fond memories of hot summer days spent cruising the back roads or going on family vacations, others mourn the loss of family and friends who lost their lives during the same timeframe.
Learn more about why this time is so hazardous and how it could affect you.
What makes this time so deadly?
Young, inexperienced drivers out in force on the roads for the first time is one reason. Another is that the summer months present many opportunities for celebrating — and many of those celebrations involve alcohol.
Law enforcement agencies recognize this as well, and they will be out in droves, pulling over suspected drunk or otherwise impaired drivers. So, not only do you have higher risks of getting into auto accidents during this time, but your chances of a DUI arrest also rise precipitously.
Federal funds increase to state police, other agencies
Also, in hopes of reducing traffic deaths during this period, many smaller police departments, sheriff’s offices and state troopers around Missouri and the nation are eligible to receive federal funding grants to put more patrols on the streets and highways.
These increased patrols make it much harder to dodge a charge of driving under the influence. You are likely to be assumed guilty rather than given the presumption of innocence.
What to do during a traffic stop
Remain compliant but verbalize your right to remain silent until you have the chance to speak to legal counsel. Never try to fight back or elude the police, as that will only add charges that you must later defend in court.