Why Are Arizona DUI Arrests Down?
DUI arrests have been down throughout Arizona over the past few years, but it’s not because enforcement has slackened. Arizona police are still as vigilant as ever when it comes to cracking down on DUIs; however, fewer people are hitting the road while under the influence and authorities believe it has to do with rideshare services like Lyft and Uber.
Rides sharing’s effect on DUI charges
At first glance, you might think it’s because there are more officers on patrol these days than there were five years ago. However, there were way more DUI arrests back then. There were 32,174 DUI charges in 2012 in Arizona alone, but that number plummeted down to 26,060 over the past year.
The ubiquity of smartphones and increasing use of rideshare services has made it easy to hitch a ride wherever you are. People who have had a few drinks can easily get a ride home from Uber or Lyft and return back to their car the next day the same way. Or, to avoid parking violations for leaving the car overnight, catch a ride both to and from an event.
Tips for dealing with traffic tickets as a rideshare driver
If you are driving for Lyft or Uber, then you’ll want to take special care not to get a traffic violation. If you do get a ticket, don’t be so quick to pay it off right away. Even a small fine goes on your record, which can endanger your ability to continue driving for Uber or Lyft.
Instead, you should contact a lawyer who can help you fight the charges to avoid having the traffic ticket go on your record.
If you need help with a traffic violation, or if you have been charged with a DUI, then be sure to contact Nava Law Firm for a free consultation today.