During holidays, an increase in traffic raises the probability of getting into a car accident. The holiday season is a time for celebration, and often times, celebrating implies drinking. More drivers rushing to get to their family dinners and holiday parties usually mean more intoxicated drivers will be on the road. Don’t be one of those drivers.
When A DUI Attorney Is Needed
What’s the secret to avoiding a DUI? Don’t Drink and Drive. This can’t be stressed enough. If you’re intent on driving home, don’t drink. If you’re set on drinking, whether a beer or something stronger, make plans beforehand to avoid driving.
It’s especially important to make plans before you start drinking. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, which often causes people to make decisions they wouldn’t make when sober. Make plans ahead of time to ensure your safety. With larger groups, it can be easy to appoint a designated driver. If no one wants to be the designated driver or no one is fit to drive, use a ride-sharing service or taxi cab. If all else fails, or plans weren’t made beforehand, it doesn’t hurt to ask the host or hostess if you can stay until you sober up, or just spend the night if the party is at the house of a friend or family member.
If you do cause an accident, with or without fatalities, any alcohol in your system can lead to a DUI arrest and severe penalties. Being “extra careful” is no excuse, either. Even if you don’t crash, tell-tale signs such as swerving in and out of lanes can easily tip off law enforcement to drunk driving. All it takes is a blood-alcohol concentration, or BAC, of 0.08% or higher to be legally drunk (as of June 2016 according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/dui-and-iid/). Depending on the individual, this can result from having a single glass of wine. It’s also important to note that drinking coffee after drinking alcohol doesn’t “sober you up” – an espresso shot doesn’t negate a tequila shot, or any alcohol. You may be a “more alert”, but you will still be impaired.
Don’t risk getting pulled over. Remember, one drink is all it takes. All 50 states have “implied consent” laws which require that drivers submit to having a BAC test done when requested by a police officer who has probable cause to believe a driver may be impaired. Refusing may be considered an admission of guilt and lead to a DUI arrest.
Drive Safely
Most importantly, drive safely. Always do so, but especially during the holidays. Don’t engage in risky behaviors and watch out for other drivers who may not be as considerate. Minimize your risks of getting into an accident by eliminating distractions such as loud music and a cell phone.
In the event that you do get arrested for a DUI, our a criminal defense attorney can advise you and help you secure the best possible outcome for your unique situation.
