With the warmer summer months here, people are going to start spending more time doing outdoor activities. For some adults, those might include alcoholic beverages. When this is the case, they should be extra careful because the heat and sun can exacerbate the impacts of alcohol. This can be especially dangerous if they are going to drive.
Ideally, people who are drinking will find alternative ways home so they don’t run the risk of being pulled over for drunk driving. However, many people don’t feel the need to call for a ride if they’ve only had a single drink or two. Just the same, it’s wise to use caution because there is always a chance that you will be pulled over by a police officer for a traffic violation.
We know that it can work your nerves when you see those flashing lights behind your vehicle when you know you’ve had a few drinks before driving. Even though you are likely going to be nervous, you need to take a few deep breaths and truly focus on making mental notes about what is going on. Staying calm may also keep the traffic stop just that — a traffic stop — rather than evolving into something more.
Remember that you cannot lie to an officer in response to his or her questions — but you aren’t obligated to provide answers to questions unrelated to the stop. For example, you don’t have to answer questions like, “Where are you coming from? Did you have anything to eat or drink there?” Those kinds of questions are designed to “fish out” information that could justify a breathalyzer test.
If you are charged, continue to stay calm. Contact our office for more information or to discuss you case.