Halloween activity is expected to return to more regular levels in the East Bay. This will mean more kids and teenagers out and about after dark on the streets and sidewalks of our neighborhoods. For drivers, there may also be a higher risk of injury accidents. If the driver has had too many, they could also be looking at much more serious criminal charges.

If you are arrested for driving under the influence in Oakland or the East Bay, contact an experienced California DUI defense lawyer who can explain your rights and legal options to keep your record clean. 

Police Patrols on Halloween Night

East Bay police officers are on patrol on Halloween night looking for drunk drivers and other criminal violations. The kinds of things cops look for aren't just obvious drivers weaving across lanes. The police can initiate a traffic stop for just about any traffic violation, even minor ones. Some of the things police look for when stopping a drunk driver include: 

• Speed-up and deceleration: quickly speeding up to the next light or breaking quickly behind a car can indicate impaired distance estimation and slowed reaction times.
• Hugging the centerline: some drivers are so focused on not swerving that they hug the centerline to appear to drive straight. When a driver hugs the centerline or curb but occasionally crosses over, it could indicate impaired driving.
• Driving with headlights off: failing to turn on headlights is a common way impaired drivers get pulled over. It is not uncommon for drivers in a well-lit parking lot to start driving with plenty of ambient light and only realize their headlights are off when on a darkened road.

Buzzed Driving Campaign for Halloween

Drunk driving arrests are not always about driving dangerously. If you were in the wrong place at the wrong time and involved in an accident that was partly caused by another driver, you could face DUI charges just because you were just at or over the legal limit. An injury accident with a driver under the limit is serious enough but for a driver who had one drink too many, it could mean serious criminal charges. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with local law enforcement this Halloween to spread its "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving" message. According to the NHTSA, "Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many for some drivers. So, if you plan to drive, plan to refrain from alcohol. If you do plan to enjoy some witch's brew, be sure to arrange a sober ride home in advance."

According to NHTSA stats, "during Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1) during the years 2016-2020, there were 129 people killed in drunk-driving crashes." In 2020, 56 people were killed on Halloween night in drunk driving crashes. 

Tips for Oakland Drivers on Halloween

It is always important to make sure you have a designated driver or safe way home if you are planning to go out drinking on Halloween. If you do end up under arrest, make sure you have the number of an experienced East Bay DUI defense attorney who can help you understand your rights.  

East Bay attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 39 years of DUI and criminal defense experience and understands the consequences for drivers arrested for a DUI. Representing drivers in Contra Costa and Alameda County, Lynn Gorelick is familiar with the local DUI laws, local officers, and the prosecutors involved. Contact East Bay DUI defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.