author: Elizabeth S. Cuccia, Esq.
Unfortunately, during the holiday season in Hawaii we see an increase in drunk driving arrests and accidents. Even on the beautiful island of Maui we see an increase in both arrests and accidents involving drugs or alcohol.
According to the National Hawaii Traffic Safety Administration (or NHTSA) between 2010-2018 an average of 667 people died each year during the holiday season in alcohol related crashes.
In 2019, 23 people died on Maui County’s roadways. 15 of those deaths were tied to alcohol or drugs, according to MPD. We all know that the holiday season leads to an increase in drunk driving arrests and crashes so what can we do to lessen the chance of getting arrested on Maui for drunk driving?
Have a Designated Driver. The best way to go out and have a good time without risking an arrest for drunk driving on Maui is to have a completely sober driver! A designated Driver is someone who does not drink at all. Not someone who only has one or two beers.
The legal limit in the United States is .08 alcohol concentration in your breath or blood and most people are surprised by how quickly they can reach that level.
Ride Sharing or Taxi Services. Maui has both Uber, Lyft and taxis available! While getting an Uber to Lahaina can be little pricey its pennies compared to the cost of a DUI on Maui. After adding the costs of a DUI (aka OUI or OVUII) attorney, fees, fines, bail, increase in insurance and the installation of an ignition interlock device you are looking at over $10,000!
Sleep Over. If you don’t feel you can drive safely then don’t drive. Ask to stay where you are drinking.
It’s never worth taking the chance. Remember buzzed driving is drunk driving.
Each year the Maui Police Department ramps up enforcement around the holidays. That means increased patrols and roadblocks. If you are arrested for a DUI (aka OUI or OVUII) in Maui County, which includes Lana’i and Moloka’i, contact us as soon as possible. Our firm has over 35 years of experience in defending DUIs (aka OUI or OVUII) in Hawai’i.
If you are looking for a drunk driving defense attorney on Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i or the Big Island, contact us today.
contact@wlchi.com 808-727-2150