Regular readers know we recently wrote about the increased law enforcement patrols that will be out next week on Halloween. As you probably recall, Denver area cities and counties are going to roll saturation patrols every night from Thursday, October 30, through Sunday, November 2, in hopes of deterring and apprehending DUI drivers.
A Denver company that makes alcohol-monitoring systems recently released data it says shows that Halloween is less and less about trick or treating and more and more about binge drinking by young adults, some of whom are underage.
In its “Scary Truth about Halloween and Drinking” report, the company notes that drinking violations among those adults required by courts to wear alcohol-monitoring devices jumps 41 percent when Halloween falls on a Friday. Of course, this year’s Halloween falls on a Friday.
The company says its alcohol-monitoring systems detect a 17 increase in drinking violations when Halloween falls on one of the other six nights of the week.
The company also notes that Harris polls have shown in the past that the days on which college freshmen report their highest levels of drinking are on New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween.
For those Denver drivers who find themselves having to confront both the criminal justice system and DMV after they receive a DUI, DWAI or DUID, there is another number that will likely make them pause: $10,000. That’s the average cost of a DUI conviction these days, according to the National Retail Federation.
Costs include fees, fines, time off of work, an interlock ignition device lease and increased auto insurance rates.
DUI attorneys will discuss with you ways to protect your rights and your wallet.