For the first time in five years, Cinco de Mayo falls on a weekend. This means that police departments across the country are adding numerous DUI checkpoints in various cities in order to decrease the amount of drunk driving accidents.

This holiday is largely associated with celebrations and heavy drinking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that 30 percent of fatal accidents that happen over the weekend are caused by drunk drivers. These checkpoints will also be seen largely at night, due to the fact that the fatality rate for drunk driving accidents is four times higher during that time.

In the states where DUI checkpoints are allowed, they have to meet specific criteria in order to be legal. These criteria can include announced plans of the checkpoints as well as a limited length of time for the checkpoints.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, please contact the Arizona DUI defense lawyers of Thompson & Volquardsen, P.C. by calling 602-510-9999 today.

A Phoenix man is facing charges of driving while intoxicated after he crashed into another vehicle while in New York.

The man was traveling on Northern Boulevard in Onondaga County when a car pulled out in front of him. He struck the vehicle in which a 17-year-old was driving. The teenager was cut from her car and then immediately flown to a hospital. Three days after the car accident occurred, the 17-year-old died from her injuries.

An investigation into the car accident found that the man had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. He is currently in jail being held on a $1,000 bond. His next court hearing will take place on January 5, 2012.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.