How to Avoid a DUI this Holiday

With the holidays come the parties – work events, friendly gatherings, and family functions. These events naturally lend themselves to drinking, and it can be easy to lose track of consumption during such events. That’s why this time of year also poses an increased risk for DUIs (not to mention the possible need for a DUI lawyer).

Traditionally, in some states, DUI arrests double during the month of December. Those numbers exacerbate an already frightening problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that in 2010, adults drank too much and got behind the wheel about 112 million times, which amounts to almost 300,000 incidents of drinking and driving each day.

And each year, about 16,000 people are killed in alcohol-related crashes. Thankfully, this number is lower than it was a couple of decades ago. However, DUIs are still a glaring concern. Not only do they indicate a significant safety risk, they hit your pocketbook hard and cause other collateral damage such as job loss.

That will quickly ruin a holiday.

Bypass the holiday ticket

So how do you keep a DUI charge at bay? The answer is simple – don’t drive when you drink. But we know the answer is not always that easy. Here are a few additional suggestions that might help.

1. Drink within walking distance to your home. If you can, choose outings that are nearby. Or save your drinking for a neighbor’s gathering. If you don’t have to get into a car, you have no chance of a DUI.
2. Arrive with cab money. You can always go home in a taxi if you accidentally overindulge. Place a wad of cash in your pocket or wallet that you won’t touch until it is time to go home. When you need it, you won’t need to think twice about placing the call.
3. Choose a safe driver. Going out with friends? Have a non-drinker claim driving for the night. To show your appreciation, pay for their meal or buy them a soda or coffee at your location. Swap nights for the next time you go out or attend a party.
4. Pair your alcoholic drinks with water. Have a drink, and then have a glass of water. Each glass of water will help slow your alcohol consumption and prepare you for a safe drive home.
5. Make it a one-and-done night. Have one drink and switch to a non-alcoholic option after that. Plan this in advance. In the holiday season there are always great drink options to consider – non-alcoholic eggnog, spiced cider, and flavored hot chocolate are good choices.
6. Give your keys to a trusted friend. The moment you walk into the party, pass you keys to someone who you trust to keep them from you if you don’t appear able to drive. It’s important to choose the right person for this task.
7. Take it to the next level. If you are concerned about drinking and driving, purchase a portable breathalyzer. It’s one way to determine if you’ve crossed a line before you step foot in your vehicle.
8. Just stay home. Bring the party to you. Offer to host the family gathering. Invite your friends to your place for the night. Just remember to take their keys if they appear to drunk to drive.

Drinking and driving is one time when it’s much better to be safe, not sorry. Simply don’t get behind the wheel. You won’t regret it. However, if you find yourself with a DUI charge, hire a good DUI lawyer quickly to determine your next steps.