Even though it’s a fun tradition to have a drink when you’re out with friends, it’s important that you are careful if you are planning to drive home. The risk of late-night drunk driving accidents is high, especially during the weekends and holidays when people aren’t being careful about their drinking and driving decisions.
Drinking responsibly involves proactive strategies for preventing drunk driving. Don’t risk it! If you’ve had too much to drink, then you shouldn’t be behind the wheel.
Understanding the Risks: Why Late Night Driving Can Be More Dangerous
The reality is that late weekend nights can be dangerous on the road. Since there is increased alcohol consumption, there’s a higher chance of impaired driving.
Even if the drivers aren’t impaired, there is also an increased risk of accidents because of late-night fatigue. Add cold weather conditions, and the risk of accidents increases quite a bit.
Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving: What You Need to Know
Understanding the consequences of drunk driving can be a good way to help you stay motivated to avoid drinking and driving. It’s not worth the legal punishment if you are caught behind the wheel while under the influence! DUI consequences include:
- Criminal Charges: You can be charged with a criminal case, which can result in a permanent mark on your criminal record. Punishment often includes fines and jail time. This information will come up any time someone runs a background check on you in the future.
- License Suspension: When a person is convicted of drunk driving, then it could result in a loss of their driver’s license privileges. You might lose your ability to have a driver’s license for several months or even years.
- Insurance Rates Increase: One financial consequence of drunk driving is that your insurance premiums will go up. Or, some insurance companies will cancel your policy if you have a DUI on your record.
- Education Programs: You will likely need to attend mandatory programs, such as alcohol education or rehabilitation programs.
- Civil Liability: In addition to the criminal charges, you might also be facing civil lawsuits from other people who were injured in the accident.
As you can see, the consequences of drunk driving are severe. Don’t take the risk… it isn’t worth it!
Preventive Measures for Staying Safe on the Road
One effective solution for avoiding impaired driving is to ensure that you plan a designated driver in advance. Talk to your friends and choose someone who is willing to stay sober so that they can drive everyone home at the end of the night.
Also, consider other safe transportation options if you don’t have a designated driver available. Look into public transportation to see if there is a way to get home without getting behind the wheel. Another option is to call a rideshare driver, such as Uber or Lyft.
Another preventive measure is to make sure that you are following all traffic safety measures. Even if you aren’t drinking, remember that other people on the road might be under the influence. Stay vigilant at all times and be a defensive driver.
Other Drinking and Party Safety Tips
In addition to safety on the road, also consider other party safety tips that can protect yourself and your loved ones when you are out having a good time:
- Avoid driving during peak hours
- Use a rideshare service if you are drinking
- Avoid distractions while you are driving
- Stay in well-lit areas
- Offer non-alcoholic drink options for guests
- Help people arrange rideshares if they have been drinking
- Serve a lot of food along with the alcohol
- Stop serving alcohol during the last hour or two of the party so people can sober up
Identifying Impaired Driving: Watch for These Signs
Not only do you need to monitor your own drinking, but also pay attention to your friends and loved ones to determine if they are safe to be behind the wheel. Additionally, you can see how other people are driving to see if there are any signs that other drivers might be impaired. Signs of impaired driving include:
- Swerving or drifting between lanes
- A car is driving way too fast or too slowly
- Sudden stops or erratic braking
- Delayed responses at stop signs or traffic signals
- Inconsistent signaling
If you see a drunk driver on the road, keep a safe distance. Don’t try to pass the driver or get their attention. Write down the car’s make, model, license plate number, and color. Pull over and call the police to report the driver and the current location. Let law enforcement handle the situation – you should never try to stop the driver yourself.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of drunk driving accidents?
Common causes of accidents include drinking too much alcohol, heavy traffic, and impaired judgment.
How can party hosts help prevent drunk driving?
If you are a party host, you can reduce the risk of your guests driving drunk by limiting alcohol consumption, offering non-alcoholic drinks, and arranging rideshare transportation if guests have been drinking too much.
What should I do if I am arrested for DUI?
In the unfortunate situation that you are arrested for drunk driving, exercise your right to remain silent and call an experienced drunk driving attorney as soon as possible.
Our Legal Team is Here to Help
Do you need to talk to an attorney for help with your DUI? If you were pulled over for drunk driving or any other form of driving under the influence, then finding the right attorney is the best way to improve the outcome of your case.
At Green Law Firm, our professional team is here to help. Contact us right away for your personalized legal recommendations: (956) 542-7000.
