The Holiday Season Means Increased DUI Activity
“Drink and be merry” is a common holiday sentiment, but some take it too far and get behind the wheel after a little too much drinking. Each year during the holiday season, there’s an uptick in DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) activity. It’s important to be mindful of this to protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s also important to know what the legal consequences of a DUI and DWI can be.
If you’re involved in a DUI or DWI case, there are expert criminal defense lawyers in Gainesville that can help. The DUI and DWI lawyers at Avera & Smith will listen to your case and guide you through the legal process.
Read on to find out how to avoid DUI and DWI accidents, the legal consequences of being involved in one of these incidents, and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
DUIs Increase During the Holidays
There is a significant increase in DUI and DWI-related traffic incidents during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Though they are likely to occur more frequently on weekends, evenings before the holiday (such as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving), and on the holiday itself, they can and do happen at any time. Here are some ways you can prevent being in a DUI or DWI-related accident.
Don’t Drink and Drive
One of the easiest ways to avoid being the cause of a DUI or DWI accident is to not drink and drive. If you drive somewhere and have a drink, don’t get behind the wheel until you’re sober. Remember that you’re considered over the limit in Florida if your blood alcohol level is .08 or higher in a breathalyzer test. Depending on the size and build of a person as well as the type of alcohol consumed, it can take 2 to 4 drinks to reach this level but one drink could also put you over the limit in some cases. It bears repeating — if you’ve been drinking, just don’t drive.
Use a Ride-Share Service
If you’ve been drinking and need to head home or to another location, use a ride share service. It’s as easy as opening an app, telling it where you want to go, and reserving your ride. Some rideshare companies even offer free or discounted rides during the holidays to those who have been drinking or otherwise shouldn’t drive. Another notable ride service is that from AAA in which the company provides free rides home on New Year’s Eve and other holidays for those who shouldn’t drive. Whether it’s free, discounted, or full price, the cost of a rideshare is far less than it will be if you get pulled over by the police.
Designate a Driver
If you’re going out or to a party, consider going with a designated driver. Whether it’s someone who is going with you to join in on the fun or someone you can call to come to pick you up when you want to leave, having a designated driver is another safe bet.
Stay Home, or Stay Over
Staying home doesn’t have to mean there’s no party. You can have the party at your house and invite friends to sleep off the alcohol overnight on the sofa so they don’t drink and drive, or you can stay the night at your friend’s house. Any level of morning breath will be way less awkward than waking up behind bars.
Legal Consequences of a DUI
If you’ve been drinking and think it wouldn’t hurt to drive “just a little,” consider the consequences. First, you could injure someone — or worse. Your reaction time is a lot slower when you’ve been drinking, and your mind isn’t able to think as clearly. Think about how you’d feel if you caused harm to another person, whether it’s another driver, a pedestrian, or someone in your own car. You could even hurt yourself. If these aren’t serious enough, keep reading.
Those charged with a DUI or a DWI can face fines, a suspended license, or jail time. Your vehicle could be impounded and held until fines are paid and your license is reinstated. You could even need to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car when you’re able to drive again — this is essentially a breathalyzer that you breathe into so you can start your car. If your BAC is .08 or higher, your car won’t start.
If you’re facing a DUI, or if you’ve been involved in a DUI accident, a DUI lawyer or DWI lawyer with specific knowledge in this area can help. Contact us today. Our criminal defense lawyers are here for you, and we’ll stay by your side through the legal process from start to finish.