Arizona Thanksgiving weekend DUI arrests down from 2014

PHOENIX — The number of DUI arrests made over the recent Thanksgiving weekend in Arizona were down from 2014, a report from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety said.

This year, 298 people were charged with driving under the influence over the holiday weekend, down from 408 last year.

The report showed that arrest numbers were down across the board, with lower figures in aggravated, misdemeanor and extreme DUIs, along with those arrested who had previously been convicted of drinking and driving.

The average blood-alcohol content level was down very slightly from last year, though this year’s average of 0.15 is still considered an extreme DUI under Arizona law.

Law enforcement typically takes an aggressive stance against drinking and driving in Arizona on holiday weekends. However, the state’s transportation department went viral over the weekend when it urged drivers who had a few too many to stay off the road with a humorous message.

Peas in your guacamole?
An unusual message to get you to think before you drink. #DriveSober pic.twitter.com/euCHHwALhk

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 25, 2015

An Arizona Department of Transportation spokesperson said the signs were meant to spark conversation and get people to think before drinking and driving this holiday season.

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