The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years are all about celebrating the holidays. From company holiday parties to family get-togethers, there is plenty of partying to go around. Law enforcement knows this, which is why the holidays see an increase in DUI arrests in Florida and elsewhere.
Avoiding a DUI arrest this holiday season
These days, there is really no excuse for not calling a sober ride if you need one. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft make access to affordable rides easier than ever. Here are a few tips for avoiding a DUI over the holidays:
1. Make a plan before going out. It’s always easier to make the right decision if you have a plan in place. Decide ahead of time how you will be getting home, and make sure to have the ridesharing app downloaded to your phone for easy access if you plan to use one.
2. Leave your car at home. If you think you will be tempted to drive after having too much to drink, don’t make it an option. Take an Uber or get a ride to the party, and then you won’t have the option to drive home.
3. Take turns being designated driver. If you and your friends or family members are going to a number of parties together, assign each person to be “sober cab” for different events.
What to do if you are accused of DUI
It can be difficult to determine when you have one too many drinks and shouldn’t drive. The issue is made more complex because people have different tolerance levels for alcohol, and someone who is well over the legal limit might not feel impaired.
If you end up being accused of DUI, you will need to take swift action in effort to prevent the DUI from having a negative effect on your life. In Florida, even a first-time DUI can have serious consequences. This is especially true for processionals, whose careers could be negatively impacted because of a DUI conviction.
After being accused of drunk driving, it’s essential to contact an experienced attorney immediately. You should say as little as possible at the time of arrest and ask for the opportunity to talk to a lawyer. Remember, you have a legal right to have an attorney present before making any statements to police.
Happy and safe holidays to all!