The eve of Thanksgiving is often referred to as “Black Wednesday” since it is often the busiest night of the year for bars. Additionally, the holiday season generally sees an increase in binge drinking and, according to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 40% of the year’s traffic deaths occur during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Now that the holidays are fast approaching, it is crucial for drivers to do what they can to avoid getting a DUI or being involved in a drunk driving accident.
‘Tis the Season
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy. No one wants to end up facing DUI charges, so we compiled a list of tips to help ensure this wonderful time of year is not interrupted by a terrible incident that can potentially affect your life for many years to come.
Consider the following tips this holiday season:
- Do not drink and drive: It seems like an obvious enough tip, but people often think they are still okay to drive if they do not feel drunk or if they employed the use of certain tricks, such as having a glass of water per alcoholic drink. Even if you only feel a little buzzed, however, you can still be arrested for a DUI. As long as an officer believes your judgment is impaired, it will not matter if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit. The only way to prevent a DUI altogether is to simply not drink if you plan on driving later on.
- Get an Uber, taxi, or ride with a sober driver: Even if you live nearby, you should not drive back home if you were drinking. No matter how much an Uber or a taxi might cost, it will not be more than the cost of a DUI. You could also ask if you can get a ride back with a sober driver.
- Make plans: The best way to avoid a DUI is to plan appropriately. If you are afraid of having to leave your car behind to get a safe ride home, do not drive to your destination in the first place. Doing so will allow you to safely consume alcohol without worrying about how you will return home.
- Be a good host: If you are hosting a holiday party, provide non-alcoholic beverages for those who wish to stay sober for the night. You should also provide enough food for your guests to prevent anyone from getting too drunk, regardless if they are driving. If you notice one of your guests had too much to drink and they do not have a designated driver, request a ridesharing service or, if the individual is a close friend, allow them to sleep it off at your place.
- One drink an hour does not work: Alcohol affects everyone differently, depending on a variety of factors, so adhering to the “one drink an hour” rule will not work for everyone. Avoid taking this chance altogether by either staying sober or finding other means of transportation.
Hire an Aggressive DUI Defense Attorney to Protect Your Rights
At Julia E. Stovall Attorney at Law, I understand that, despite a person’s best efforts and intentions, DUI arrests still happen. If you were charged with a DUI, it is imperative to obtain skilled legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Contact my office today at (615) 239-1374 to schedule a consultation.