The holidays are often spent surrounded by family and friends over delicious meals and alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, the number of car accidents and arrests involving drunk driving significantly increase between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve every single year.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 40 percent of fatal car accidents during Christmas and New Year’s holidays involve an impaired driver. Due to the frightening statistics of drunk driving during this time of year, police have increased their patrol on the streets and set up various checkpoints to deter drunk driving and catch those who decide to do so.
In order to avoid spending some of your holiday season behind bars due to a DUI charge, follow these effective tips:
- Do not drink and drive – While it may sound too obvious, many drivers continue to risk their lives and the lives of others by drunk driving. If you plan on enjoying an alcoholic beverage and driving later, be smart about your alcohol consumption by limiting yourself to only one drink. Make sure you drink a lot of water and eat plenty of food.
- Find another way home – Choose one of your friends to be the designated driver, whether he is part of the group you’re going out with or not. If that doesn’t work out, you could always request a ride from Uber or Lyft—or even a taxi—to get you home safely. If you want to stay on the frugal side (it is the holidays after all), you can find out if public transportation is open late.
- Stay the night – If you’re going to a party at a friend’s place, ask if you can sleepover instead of driving home. If there is no room to spend the night, you could always book a room at a nearby hotel.
- Host the party – What better way to avoid driving than throwing the party at your home. As the party host, make sure plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages are served in order to encourage guests to moderate their alcohol consumption. Prepare rooms and spaces for people who decide to spend the night, as well as ride situations for those who plan on leaving afterward.
If you are arrested for a DUI during the holidays, our Fresno criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Brian C. Andritch is ready to help you get the most favorable outcome possible. Contact us and schedule a free consultation for more information today.