Here’s an alarming statistic: around 32 percent of catastrophic car crashes involve an intoxicated driver or pedestrian. Undeniably, driving under the influence is extremely dangerous.
If you are caught driving under the influence, your first step should be to contact a responsible bail bond agent that’s available 24/7. The next step will be to find an experienced DUI defense lawyer.
When convicted, you can face personal, legal, financial, and even professional ramifications. However, all those would pale in comparison to the regret and guilt you will feel if you end up injuring or killing someone. The good thing is there are various ways you can stop yourself from drinking and driving. For starters:
Have a designated driver.
When planning a night out with friends, ensure you have a designated driver. This strategy is very effective as the person designated as the driver for the night will not be drinking anything alcoholic.
With someone sober behind the wheels, you have a better chance of getting home safe and in one piece. Fortunately, many entertainment venues and bars offer free non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers.
Don’t drink when you are going out alone.
If you choose to go out by yourself, make sure you don’t drink and drive. You are more prone to taking risks behind the wheel when alone and driving while intoxicated. If you are socializing alone, don’t drink anything that’s alcoholic. Consider ordering club soda or mocktail instead.
Download a rideshare app.
One of the most effective ways to avoid drinking and driving is to not indulge in it at all. Fortunately, ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber make it easier than ever for you to avoid driving while under the influence.
Ensure you download the ridesharing app ahead of time so you will have enough time to familiarize yourself with the functionalities and you can link a payment method before heading out.
Spend the night.
If you are visiting a family member or friend and drinking at their home, it would be ideal to ask ahead if you can stay the night. Often, a friend or relative would rather have you stay than drive home while under the influence.
Eat plenty of food.
If you drink on an empty stomach, you can get intoxicated faster. This can result in lowered inhibitions and increase the likelihood of you getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking.
Aside from ensuring you don’t drive while intoxicated, it is also crucial that you do not get in the vehicle of anyone who has been drinking. Riding with someone under the influence is just as dangerous as driving the car yourself.
In addition, if you suspect a drunk driver is on the road, call the police right away. Make sure you provide the vehicle’s model, color, make, and license plate number. You need to also inform the police where the vehicle is headed.
Final thoughts
Driving while intoxicated concerns more than just you and the people who are in the vehicle with you. If anything, a DUI charge is the least of your worries when you are engaged in something that can kill or harm others and yourself.
As a general rule of thumb, never take a chance when it comes to your freedom, your life, and that of others. Ensure you keep the strategies laid out above in mind each time you go out and socialize.
Do your share to prevent drunk driving and minimize the harm and fatalities it can cause. If you are charged with DUI, you need a reliable bail bond agent to ensure you are released from custody. This will enable you to return home and start working with a competent DUI lawyer right away to get the expert guidance you need.
About the Author
Michelle White is currently the Content Marketing Strategist for Arizona DUI Team. Aside from spreading awareness on DUI and vehicular-related offenses, she enjoys reading and hiking with her family and friends.