Driving under the influence (DUI) arrests may occur after collisions or when police officers witness people driving erratically. They may also follow failed chemical tests, even in cases where a driver did not display obvious impairment.
Numerous factors, including the time of day and the specific date, may influence the likelihood of a DUI arrest. Police officers are often on high alert after major events and when bars close for the evening. Patrols are also more frequent around major federal holidays.
Factors about the driver or their vehicle could also influence enforcement actions. When looking at vehicle safety statistics, certain types and colors of vehicles may put drivers at slightly increased risk of incurring DUI charges.
What colors see the most arrests?
Statistically, white and red vehicles are more likely than darker-colored vehicles to have drivers implicated in drunk driving offenses. White is the most popular vehicle color, and it is also highly visible in the evening and after the sun sets, especially when compared with gray, black or dark blue vehicles.
Red is also often highly visible. Additionally, red vehicles have a social association with racing, which makes them frequent targets for police officers on traffic patrol.
What types of vehicles are the riskiest?
Research into the makes and models of vehicles whose registered owners have prior DUI convictions shows a couple of noteworthy trends. Large domestic pickup trucks are among the vehicles most likely to have registered owners with a prior DUI conviction. Certain luxury brands also have an association with increased DUI arrest risk.
Overall, the color and type of vehicle chosen by a motorist should not have any bearing on how police officers treat them or the case the state develops. Especially in scenarios where people may have experienced profiling, there could be reason to question the validity of the traffic stop and grounds to suppress any evidence obtained during that traffic stop.
Reviewing the details of a pending DUI charge, including the prior record of the driver and the details about the vehicle involved, with a skilled legal team can help people develop effective defense strategies. Vehicle design and color should not influence the likelihood of a DUI arrest or the chances of a driver’s conviction, but if it does, it is possible to fight back.