At Jeff GOULD Law, the holiday season is in full swing. Thanksgiving is behind us, and we are eagerly awaiting Christmas. Over the holiday season, even under tighter restrictions this year, people will be imbibing and driving, increasing the odds of getting arrested for a DUI. In fact, driving under the influence (DUI) arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This season consists of festive gatherings with family and friends that often include alcohol consumption. During this time of celebration, the number of alcohol-impaired drivers on the road increases significantly. According to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the U.S. sees the average number of fatalities involving alcohol-impaired drivers rise 34 percent during this time. It is important to be conscientious of drinking and driving every day of the year, but during the holidays, planning ahead for your upcoming parties is essential. Read on for some tips on how to avoid a DUI and other consequences of drinking and driving over the holidays.
Stay Sober
The easiest way to avoid a DUI this holiday season is to avoid drinking when you are out and about. After all, you can’t get arrested for DUI if you don’t drink. If you choose to stay sober this season, offer to act as a designated driver to anyone who plans to consume alcohol. Ultimately, choosing not to drink and drive is the best way to keep the roads safer for everyone. Remember that drunk driving is dangerous not just for the driver but for everyone sharing the streets with them.
Choose a Reliable Designated Driver
If you plan on drinking at any holiday event, ask someone you trust to be your designated driver for the event. Make sure you select someone who you know won’t cave into peer pressure and will remain sober for the duration of the celebration.
Use a Ridesharing App
If you can’t find a designated driver, you can always rely on apps such as Uber or Lyft to get you home safely. Keep in mind that when rides are in high demand during the holidays, surge pricing can apply. Expect to pay the highest fares between midnight and 3:00 a.m during the season, especially on the holidays themselves. Also, be prepared for possible long wait times.
Book a Room
Another option to avoid driving if you plan on drinking is to find a place to stay near your event. Ask a friend who lives near the event venue if you can stay with them for the night. If that is not an option, consider booking a room at a hotel, motel, or vacation rental for the night.
Stay Under the Legal Limit
State DUI laws vary, but every state has a legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit under which you are permitted to drive. In the state of Arizona, the legal BAC is .08%. That said, it is still possible to be arrested for a DUI even with a BAC under the limit, particularly if you have caused an accident. Be careful of how many drinks you consume per hour. You can calculate your BAC based on your weight and sex. Another way to help keep your BAC down is to make sure you eat while drinking; food will help your body digest the alcohol. It would help if you also stopped drinking several hours before driving to help keep your BAC under the legal limit.
There’s an App for That
As with most things these days, there is an abundance of apps that can help you understand how impaired you are. Intoxicheck uses a set of six challenges to measure reaction times, memory, judgment, and dexterity. The user first performs the tests while sober and then after drinking to see the differences in results. BreathalEyes: This app tracks the eye’s involuntary movement mimicking the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test that police officers perform in the field. There are also DUI checkpoint apps to help you locate police checkpoints.
Celebrate Responsibly
The above information is intended to help you avoid a DUI arrest. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, contact Jeff GOULD Law today to discuss your options. During this stressful time, you’ll want an Attorney in Your Corner. DUIs are a specific kind of offense,
best defended by someone with detailed knowledge of the law. A knowledgeable attorney can build a strong legal case tailored to your personal circumstances. Get a free DUI consultation before you fight this battle on your own. But remember, the best way to enjoy this holiday season free of DUI consequences is not to drink and drive. We hope you have a safe and healthy holiday season this year.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is NOT, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.