Thanksgiving weekend in Buffalo is more than just a time to enjoy family, friends, and festive meals. It’s also a time when law enforcement ramps up efforts to ensure safety on the roads. The increased police presence during the holiday is due to the rise in driving while intoxicated (DWI) incidents. With so many people celebrating the holiday with alcohol, it’s important to be aware of the heightened DWI patrols and the potential consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Arthur Pressman focuses in the areas of DWI, traffic law and criminal defense.
Every year, local authorities implement stricter measures to deter impaired driving. Officers increase their presence, set up sobriety checkpoints, and conduct additional roving patrols. Whether you’re planning to attend a large family gathering, a holiday party, or even just driving to visit friends, being prepared for the extra patrols will help you stay safe and avoid legal trouble. Let’s explore what you need to know about DWI patrols in Buffalo over Thanksgiving weekend and the consequences you could face if stopped.
Why Thanksgiving Weekend Leads to More DWI Arrests 
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The combination of high traffic volumes, long-distance trips, and festive celebrations increases the likelihood that drivers will consume alcohol. Law enforcement recognizes that alcohol consumption often leads to impaired driving, especially during the late-night hours when many people are heading home after attending family gatherings and parties.
For these reasons, authorities in Buffalo increase their DWI enforcement efforts during Thanksgiving weekend. These efforts focus on keeping the roads safe by deterring impaired driving and holding those who drive under the influence accountable. Law enforcement agencies often use the heightened visibility of checkpoints and roving patrols to deter potential offenders before they can even make the decision to drive while intoxicated.
I was advised by a mutual acquaintance to contact Mr. Pressman following my DWI that I received on December 28, 2015. This was the best advice that I could have been given. He was available immediately to speak with. I was put at ease after speaking with him. It was my first DWI and I had no idea what to expect. It was an isolated case of making a very foolish decision to drive. I had so much anxiety and fear of the unknown. Throughout my whole case Mr. Pressman was very reassuring and kept a positive attitude about what my outcome was going to be. He was available several times when I had random questions and never made me feel like an inconvenience. He was right! My case ended up being reduced to a violation from a misdemeanor and now I can finally begin to have my life back to normal. It was a hard lesson to learn but with the right attorney by your side the transition will be easier. Anita D.
What You Can Expect From Increased DWI Patrols
During Thanksgiving weekend, law enforcement in Buffalo will step up patrols in areas with high traffic and higher instances of alcohol consumption. This includes popular roads near bars, restaurants, and event centers. You may encounter checkpoints set up by police officers to stop cars and assess whether drivers have been drinking.
Sobriety checkpoints are typically set up during late hours, when alcohol consumption peaks. At these checkpoints, officers may stop vehicles and ask drivers to submit to a breathalyzer test if they suspect the driver has been drinking. While these stops are typically short, they can result in fines, a suspended license, and even arrest if a driver is found to be above the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit.
Officers will also be on the lookout for signs of impaired driving, such as swerving, speeding, or failure to obey traffic signals. They may pull drivers over for any traffic violation and assess whether alcohol or drugs are involved. The visibility of these extra patrols is designed to remind drivers to make responsible decisions when behind the wheel.
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The Field Sobriety Test and Breathalyzer Process
If you are stopped by law enforcement over Thanksgiving weekend in Buffalo, you should expect to undergo a brief interaction with officers. First, officers will ask for your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. They may then ask whether you’ve been drinking and how much. If you are not visibly intoxicated but they still suspect alcohol use, officers may ask you to take a field sobriety test.
These tests are designed to assess a driver’s coordination and ability to follow instructions. A failed test will likely lead to a request for a breathalyzer test. In New York, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired for drivers over 21 years old. If your BAC exceeds this limit, you will likely be arrested for DWI.
If you refuse to take the breathalyzer test, you may face automatic penalties, such as license suspension. In some cases, officers may issue a court order for a blood test if a breathalyzer is not available.
Consequences of DWI in Buffalo
Driving while impaired is not something law enforcement takes lightly, especially during a holiday when they are specifically looking out for DWI offenses. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will face both criminal and administrative penalties. Here’s what you can expect if arrested for DWI in Buffalo over Thanksgiving weekend.
First-time offenders typically face fines between $500 and $1,000, along with a license suspension for up to six months. You will also be required to complete a mandatory alcohol education program. In addition, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle, which prevents your car from starting unless you blow into a breathalyzer and register a BAC below the legal limit.
Case Results
If your BAC exceeds 0.18%, you may be charged with aggravated DWI, which carries stricter penalties. These penalties include higher fines, longer license suspensions, and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
For repeat offenders, the consequences become even more severe. Multiple DWI convictions can result in a longer license suspension, larger fines, and more serious criminal penalties. In some cases, repeat offenders may face mandatory jail time.
What to Do to Stay Safe and Avoid DWI Arrests
There are several steps you can take to ensure you stay safe and avoid legal trouble this Thanksgiving weekend. The most important thing is to plan ahead, especially if you plan on drinking. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe and avoid getting arrested for DWI:
Designate a Driver
If you’re planning on drinking, ensure that someone in your group stays sober to drive. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure you get home safely without putting yourself or others at risk.
Use Ride-Sharing Services
Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Buffalo. If you plan on drinking, it’s a good idea to arrange for a ride beforehand so you can avoid the temptation to drive under the influence.
Stay Overnight
If you’ve been drinking at a party or gathering and you live far from the venue, consider staying the night at the host’s home or booking a nearby hotel. This way, you can avoid driving altogether and reduce the risk of a DWI arrest.
Avoid Drinking and Driving if You’re Not Sure About Your Limits
Sometimes it can be difficult to gauge how much alcohol will affect you, especially when you’ve been drinking over a long period. If you’re unsure whether you’re safe to drive, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Opt for a ride-sharing service or a designated driver.
Thanksgiving weekend is a time for celebration and spending time with loved ones. However, it’s also a period when law enforcement in Buffalo cracks down on impaired drivers. If you plan on celebrating with alcohol this holiday season, it’s important to be aware of the increased DWI patrols and take steps to ensure you’re not driving under the influence. Remember, the consequences of a DWI arrest can be severe, affecting your finances, your ability to drive, and your future.
If you do find yourself facing a DWI charge over Thanksgiving weekend, it’s essential to have an experienced attorney by your side. The team at Arthur Pressman, Attorney at Law, has the experience to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today for a free consultation.