The Christmas and New Year’s holidays specifically traditionally bear witness to a high rate of drunk driving accidents. However, many Americans are at risk for unintentionally being involved in a drunk driving accident throughout the second half of December. This is the time of year that employers, family and friends host holiday parties. It is important to plan before every party so that you can avoid unintentionally being pulled over for drunk driving this season.
Too many Americans believe that in order to be pulled over for drunk driving that you must be an alcoholic or completely out of control intoxicated. This is simply an untrue perception. The only thing that someone must do in order to be convicted of drunk driving is to have a couple of alcoholic drinks and then get behind the wheel before the alcohol has metabolized below legal levels.
It is very easy to get behind the wheel while legally drunk. Many adults feel sober enough to drive only to discover that their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. As a result, it is vitally important that you either secure a designated driver, a public form of transportation or a taxi before drinking at a party not hosted at your home. Every time you drink and then choose to drive, you are at risk of being charged with drunk driving.
If you do decide to drink at a party and then drive home, please wait longer than you believe is necessary before getting behind the wheel. Waiting until after you feel sober to drive will give you a better opportunity to drive while within the legal BAC limit.
Source: The Marietta Times, “Drinking and driving isn’t worth the risk,” Dec. 6, 2013