December 22, 2025

Stay Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday season brings lots of parties and festivities, and alcohol is often part of the celebration. Unfortunately, an increase in DUI arrests also spikes during this time. It’s important to celebrate responsibly to stay safe and avoid legal trouble.

In this blog, we’ll share tips to help you avoid a DUI during the holidays. If you’re asking yourself “what to do if I get a DUI?”, we’ll walk you through the first steps and explain how to get legal help.

Why DUIs Increase During the Holidays

DUI cases rise sharply in December and early January. Several factors contribute to this pattern:

• Increased Celebrations Involving Alcohol: Office parties, family dinners, and New Year’s Eve celebrations often include drinking. People sometimes lose track of how much they’ve had or think they’re fine to drive when they’re not.
• Social Pressure: It can be hard to say no to a drink when everyone else is drinking. You might feel uncomfortable leaving early or refusing alcohol, even if you plan to drive.
• Family Stressors and Emotional Triggers: Not everyone has an easy holiday season. Stress, family issues, or feelings of loneliness can lead people to drink more than usual, sometimes without thinking about the consequences.
• Poor Road Conditions: Snow, ice, and poor visibility already make driving more dangerous. If you’re even slightly impaired, your ability to react safely is reduced, which increases the chances of an accident.

How To Stay Safe

There are a few simple steps you can take to avoid getting a DUI and stay safe on the road this holiday season:

• Don’t Drink if You Plan to Drive: Even one or two drinks can slow your reaction time and affect your judgment. In Utah, the legal blood alcohol limit is just 0.05%, which is the strictest in the country. That means it doesn’t take much alcohol to be over the limit. If your BAC is at or above 0.05% while driving, you can be charged with a DUI — even if you don’t appear visibly impaired.
• Make a Plan Before You Go Out: If you know you’re going to drink, decide how you’ll get home ahead of time:
  • Use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft
  • Stay the night if you're at a friend’s house
  • Use public transportation if it’s available in your area
  • Ask a friend or family member to be your designated driver
• Know About Sobriety Checkpoints: During the holidays, Utah police often set up checkpoints to look for impaired drivers. Officers may ask for your license and registration. If they suspect alcohol use, they might also ask you to do a sobriety test or take a breath test.

Taking these steps can help you avoid legal trouble and keep yourself and others safe.

What to Do If You Get a DUI

Getting a DUI is serious, but it’s not the end of the road. There are steps you can take to protect your rights and get the help you need.

• Stay Calm and Cooperate: If you’re pulled over, stay calm and be polite. Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked. Avoid arguing or talking too much. Remember, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer before answering questions.
• Know the Possible Penalties: A DUI in Utah usually leads to:
  • Jail time
  • Fines and court fees
  • A suspended driver’s license
  • Mandatory DUI classes or treatment
  • An ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer installed in your car)

  Penalties can be more severe if:

  • There was a child in the car
  • You were involved in an accident
  • Your blood alcohol level was especially high
• Get Legal Help Immediately: Branson West has handled thousands of DUI and criminal defense cases across Utah. He knows how the local courts, judges, and prosecutors work. If you're facing a DUI, he offers a free consultation to review your case, explain your options, and give you honest advice with no pressure.

Avoid Holiday DUI Trouble with Branson West Law

Holiday DUIs happen more often than people think, but most can be avoided with a little planning. Make smart choices before you go out, whether that means staying sober, arranging a ride, or simply spending the night. A few extra steps can help you stay safe and out of legal trouble.

If you do end up facing a DUI charge, it’s important to act quickly. Branson West has the experience and local knowledge to help you understand your next steps.

Schedule a free consultation with Branson West Law today!