Better Safe Than Sorry: How to Have Fun and Avoid a DUI
What if you go out to a bar or a friend’s place to unwind, bottles of your favorite adult beverage are brought out? How do you ensure responsible drinking does not go out the window? For some, those nights turn into a night that they will never forget due to getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. The unfortunate side to not drinking responsibly is the potential to make serious, life-altering mistakes on those otherwise enjoyable nights. Before your next night out, we hope that you will take our advice and believe us when we say better safe than sorry when you are out “having fun” with access to alcohol.
How to Have Fun and Avoid a DUI: Have Fun, But Drink Responsibly
There is absolutely nothing wrong with cutting loose and having a great night out with friends. The problem is when you consume alcohol your common sense may be left at the door without you even realizing it. When you are sober, you are alert, aware, and can make conscious decisions. When alcohol comes into play, and you don’t plan ahead for a safe ride home (i.e. designated driver) you could make choices you might not otherwise consider, like driving under the influence. According to Responsibility.org drinking responsibly means learning how alcohol affects your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), making arrangements for a safe ride home, and how to host and attend events responsibly. Driving drunk has devastating consequences, learning how to drink responsibly will ensure your safety.
The Potential Dangers of Partying
Although most states have set a per se .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving under the influence, you can still be charged if your BAC level is above 0.0% because impairment begins at much lower BAC levels. According to the CDC, reduced coordination, difficulty steering, and reduced response time occur at a .05% BAC level. If you are stopped by a police officer and they suspect that you have been drinking, you could be arrested, and then you will have court dates, possible license suspensions, hefty fines to pay, and more. By the end of it, your night of fun could damage your reputation, cost you thousands, and restrict your driving privileges.
If you aren’t stopped for driving under the influence by law enforcement, the repercussions could be even more devastating for you, your family, friends, and the other driver(s) on the road. In 2017, an average of 30 people per day died due to alcohol-related traffic accidents.
How to Have Fun Without Consequences
We understand that everyone wants to enjoy a fun night out every once in a while. The key is to always plan ahead, ensure you (and your friends and loved ones) have a safe ride home, and drink responsibly. Even if you have consumed only 1 alcoholic beverage, schedule a ride-share, call a cab or sober friend to get you home. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.
If you have received a DUI and are required to obtain an ignition interlock device, we are just a click away. Contact us to learn more about our ignition interlock devices and how RoadGuard Interlock, can help you get back on the road.
*Links to any third-party websites herein are provided for your reference and convenience only. RoadGuard Interlock did not create nor develop and does not own any such third-party websites. RoadGuard Interlock does not endorse nor support the content of, nor any opinions stated in any such third-party website links. RoadGuard Interlock is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or its accuracy or reliability. Nothing contained in this article or in any such third-party website shall be considered legal advice or be deemed to constitute legal advice. For any legal advice concerning a DUI arrest, charge, conviction, or consequences thereof, you should contact an attorney of your choice.
