California's roads are filled with drivers, commuters, and pedestrians, among whom a significant number are alcohol-impaired. Shockingly, over 40% of driving-related fatalities in California are due to drunk driving, as reported by the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This underscores the urgent need for people to avoid drinking and driving. The consequences of drunk driving can be severe, leading to loss of life, legal issues, and emotional trauma. To drive this point home, consider the following tips to steer clear of drunk driving:
Always Be Sober When You Are Out And About
Sometimes, when people have been drinking during the day, they may suddenly remember an important errand to run or to buy something for themselves, such as food or even more alcohol! In such a situation, they may feel tempted to get in their car and drive to their desired destination.
Do Not Do It. Try to avoid drinking during the daytime or if you have any errands to run, try to complete your daily activities during the day completely sober, and avoid having to drive even when you have consumed a minimal amount of alcohol.
Use A Cab To Travel When You Have Been Drinking
DUI convictions often include drivers who were less than a mile from their destination, so being close to your destination does not increase your chances of making it without an arrest. If you have been drinking, it is advisable to stay with a sober friend or call a cab. A small cab fare is much cheaper than the cumulative cost of a DUI, which can include fines, legal fees, increased insurance rates, and potential loss of income due to license suspension or jail time.
Arrange For A Designated Driver When Drinking
When you're out partying or drinking with friends, it's advisable to assign a trustworthy and responsible person in your group to be the designated driver. This means they should abstain from consuming any alcohol. It's important to note that even a small amount of alcohol can lead to legal consequences for the designated driver, so it's best to have someone volunteer for this position, or you can draw straws.
If no one is willing to perform this task, then you should take responsibility and do it yourself. It is better to miss out on a night of drinking than to see one of your friends get a DUI or, worse, get seriously injured or die. If that avenue doesn't pan out, then use a cab or public transportation to get home.
Drink Smart
Drinking smart can make the difference in whether you get charged with a DUI or not, regardless of whether you plan to drive or not. Eat plenty of food while drinking because the consumption of food delays the absorption of alcohol, preventing a spike in intoxication.
Also, consider pacing your drinks and alternating with non-alcoholic beverages to stay in control. Remember, everybody has a different reaction to alcohol, and drinking one drink per hour does not work for everyone. However, for some people, one alcoholic drink is absorbed and eliminated from the human body in one hour.
The metabolism of alcohol is a very complex process and varies significantly based on a driver's gender, weight, and the amount of water and food in their system.
Therefore, it's crucial to plan ahead and make arrangements for a designated driver or a safe place to stay to avoid driving drunk. Taking a proactive approach to your safety and the safety of others can make a significant difference. If, unfortunately, you find yourself arrested for a DUI in California, it's essential to seek the help of a competent and experienced DUI defense attorney. This proactive approach can help protect your rights and freedom.
