Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer — a time to honor our fallen heroes, gather with loved ones, and enjoy the outdoors. But as a DUI defense attorney who has spent decades helping clients navigate the aftermath of impaired driving arrests, I've seen far too many holiday weekends end in disaster.

Every year, law enforcement increases DUI checkpoints, patrols, and enforcement efforts during Memorial Day weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40% of traffic fatalities during Memorial Day weekend involve a drunk driver.

So whether you're driving to the lake, hosting a barbecue, or hitting the beach, here are 10 Memorial Day safety tips to keep your celebration joyful — and out of the courtroom.

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1. Never Drive Under the Influence — Plan Ahead

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana and prescription medications) is both illegal and deadly. California law makes it a misdemeanor to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher (California Vehicle Code 23152).

Plan your ride ahead of time:

• Use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft.

• Designate a sober driver.

• Stay overnight at your celebration site if needed.

You can even use the NHTSA's SaferRide app to call a taxi or friend quickly.

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2. Be Aware of DUI Checkpoints

Law enforcement agencies will set up sobriety checkpoints across California and the nation over Memorial Day weekend. These checkpoints are legal, but officers must follow proper procedure.

As a DUI attorney, I recommend:

• Knowing your rights during a checkpoint (ACLU Guide).

• Keeping your license and registration handy.

• Being polite and cooperative, but knowing you can decline field sobriety tests in many cases (with exceptions for those under 21 or on probation).

Check local law enforcement or sites like California Highway Patrol (CHP) for announcements.

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3. Avoid Distractions While Driving

Distracted driving — whether from texting, adjusting the GPS, or managing backseat passengers — can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. According to NHTSA, distracted driving claimed over 3,500 lives in 2022 alone.

Before you drive:

• Set your GPS.

• Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.”

• Keep your focus on the road — not the playlist.

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4. Buckle Up — It Saves Lives

The Click It or Ticket campaign ramps up around Memorial Day each year, reminding drivers that seat belts save lives. In fact, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% in passenger cars.

No matter how short your trip:

• Buckle up before starting your engine.

• Ensure kids are in proper child safety seats (California Car Seat Laws).

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5. Don't Mix Alcohol and Boating

Boating under the influence (BUI) is just as illegal — and deadly — as DUI. California's Harbors and Navigation Code 655 makes it a crime to operate a boat with a BAC of 0.08% or more.

If you're heading out on the water:

• Appoint a sober boat operator.

• Wear life jackets.

• Check weather and lake rules ahead of time (U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety).

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6. Hydrate and Beat the Heat

Memorial Day can bring sweltering temperatures across California. Dehydration and heatstroke are real risks.

Keep cool by:

• Drinking plenty of water.

• Avoiding too much alcohol (which dehydrates you).

• Wearing lightweight clothing and sunscreen.

• Watching out for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat.

Visit Ready.gov for heat safety tips and emergency prep.

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7. Grill Responsibly

Fire departments nationwide see a spike in grill-related injuries and fires over Memorial Day weekend.

Stay safe by:

• Keeping the grill away from your home, trees, or dry brush.

• Cleaning the grill before and after use.

• Never leaving it unattended.

• Having a fire extinguisher or water source nearby.

The U.S. Fire Administration offers grilling safety guidelines.

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8. Supervise Children Around Water

Whether it's a pool, lake, or beach, child drownings can happen in seconds. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under 14.

Tips for water safety:

• Always keep eyes on young swimmers.

• Enroll kids in swim lessons.

• Use life vests — not floaties.

• Never rely on other children to supervise.

Check PoolSafely.gov for more safety rules and resources.

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9. Don't Mix Fireworks and Alcohol

Fireworks are illegal in many parts of California, and injuries skyrocket during Memorial Day. Alcohol only increases the danger.

If fireworks are legal in your area:

• Use only legal, store-bought fireworks.

• Keep a water bucket nearby.

• Light them one at a time — and step back.

• Never allow children to handle fireworks unsupervised.

Check your city or county's guidelines or visit Consumer Product Safety Commission for more.

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10. Know Your Rights — and Get Legal Help If Needed

Even with the best planning, mistakes happen. If you or someone you know is arrested for DUI over Memorial Day weekend, the best thing you can do is remain calm and contact an experienced attorney immediately.

As a DUI defense attorney in Sacramento for over 25 years, I've helped countless individuals navigate:

• DUI checkpoints

• First-time DUI charges

• Boating under the influence (BUI)

• License suspension hearings

• Expungements

Visit My Legal Practice to learn how I can help or call my office for a free consultation.

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Stay Safe This Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, honor those who served by making wise choices that protect yourself and those around you. Whether it's designating a driver, buckling your seatbelt, or knowing your rights, small steps can make a big difference.

Let's make Memorial Day 2025 one to remember — for all the right reasons.