Driving under the influence of alcohol is incredibly dangerous. If you’re caught driving over the legal limit, you can face a fine, have your license suspended, and even wind up in jail. Of course, all of these consequences pale in comparison to the guilt and regret you’ll deal with if you end up injuring or killing someone as a result of your drunk driving. Fortunately, there are several ways you can prevent drinking and driving and act more responsibly.
Our criminal defense attorneys in Montgomery County, PA, know that driving under the influence is much more common than many drivers want to believe. However, avoiding a DUI can be simple with just a little prior planning. Let’s review some ways to avoid drinking and driving the next time you’re out on the town. Use these tips to avoid the temptation to drink and drive:
Always Have a Designated Driver
Going out is always more fun with friends. When planning an evening, make sure someone is willing to be designated as a designated driver. This strategy for preventing drinking and driving is fool-proof as whoever volunteers as the designated driver will remain sober throughout the entire evening and be able to navigate the roadways for their friends safely. Many bars and entertainment venues also offer free non-alcoholic drinks to a party’s designated drivers.
Don’t Drink When You’re Alone
If you do choose to go out by yourself, avoid drinking. You are more likely to take risks behind the wheel while alone in a vehicle. This, combined with the influence of alcohol, is a bad mix that will result in an unpleasant situation. To prevent drinking and driving on your part, order a club soda, soft drink, or mocktail instead. You can have just as good of a time without alcohol as you can with it!
Eat Plenty of Food
When you drink on an empty stomach, you experience a much more rapid progression to intoxication. This can lead to lowered inhibitions and increase the likelihood of you drinking and driving. Although you can still easily fall under the influence of alcohol with food or without, adding a meal into the mix can help reduce the chances of drinking and driving.
Download a Rideshare App on Your Phone
One of the best ways to stop drinking and driving is to not indulge in it at all. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are making it easier than ever to avoid drinking and driving. Download a ridesharing app or taxi app ahead of time, link a payment method, and familiarize yourself with the app functionality before heading out for a safe night.
Spend the Night
Although this might not be possible at a public location, if you’re visiting a friend or family member and drinking at their home, you can ask to stay the night. A relative or friend would be more than welcome to have you stay rather than drive home intoxicated. A friendly invitation to a sleepover is a great way to stop someone from driving drunk.
Do Not Get In a Car With Someone Who’s Been Drinking
It is important to note that you should never get in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking and intends on driving. Riding with someone who is intoxicated and driving is just as dangerous as getting behind the wheel yourself. Likewise, never get in a car with an individual who is also actively consuming alcohol while driving.
Remember, the act of drinking and driving is more than just about you or the person you’re traveling with. A DUI charge is the least of your worries when engaged in an activity that may harm or kill someone else. Don’t take a chance with your freedom, your life, or the lives of others. Follow the above strategies to not drink alcohol or avoid driving when you do. We can all participate in the prevention of drunk driving and help reduce the injuries and harm it causes.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you need an attorney experienced in DUI law in Bucks County. Contact Kalikhman and Rayz, LLC for assistance in determining the best next step in your unique case.
