It’s a festive time of year, where the message of “Eat, Drink and Be Merry” are reinforced. However it’s important to note that driving under the influence (DUI) arrests peak during the periods between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Factor in the time between Christmas and New Year, and the U.S. sees the average number of fatalities involving alcohol-impaired drivers rise 34 percent
The busiest night of the year for bars is the day before Thanksgiving, now referred to as Black Wednesday. The holiday season also sees an increase in social binge drinking. Forty (40) percent of traffic-related deaths during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays involve drunk driving, according to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
With Christmas and New Year’s quickly approaching, law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired drivers. Planning ahead can help you avoid a DUI arrest and keep the holiday season merry.
DON’T DRINK and DRIVE
We’ve heard the mantra many times before and one would think it’s common sense by now, but too often holiday drinkers believe they can drive home safely. Keep in mind that you don’t need to be over the “legal limit” to get arrested for a DUI. Simply “being affected” by alcohol and driving is enough to be arrested.
Drinking “tips” such as, “Drink a glass of water per alcoholic drink,” may make you feel less drunk, but this doesn’t mean that you aren’t too intoxicated to drive. Ultimately, if you plan on drinking even one drink, let a designated driver do the driving.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO DRINK…DRINK SMART
Make sure to eat plenty of food. The consumption of food delays the absorption of alcohol, which in turn causes alcohol to be absorbed over a longer period of time in a person’s body, preventing a spike in intoxication.
UBER
Many Clermont, FL DUI convictions include drivers that were driving less than a mile from home. Being close to home does not increase your chance of making it home safely. Regardless of how far you plan to drive, stay with a friend or utilize a ride service like Uber or Lyft. An Uber fare is a lot cheaper than the cost of a DUI in Clermont, Florida.
CHOOSE A RELIABLE DESIGNATED DRIVER
When choosing a designated driver, make sure it is someone who won’t take a sip of alcohol. It is important that this person understands the responsibility of being a designated driver.
STAY AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY HOTEL
If you’re going to a company Christmas party, consider staying at the hotel it’s being held at. While we recommend against drinking in excess (especially in front of your co-workers), enjoy the night without worrying about how you will get home.
Common sense often goes out the window when alcohol is consumed. Having a clear plan before your next holiday event can be extremely beneficial to avoiding a DUI in Clermont, Florida this holiday season. A DUI can not only cause danger to yourself and others, but can also result in jail time, loss of a job, and can be extremely expensive to resolve.
This holiday season, be careful, make plans for a designated driver or place to stay, and most importantly, don’t drink and drive. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of a DUI arrest in Clermont, FL, call the Law Offices of Justin Rickman at 352-394-2041 for a free consultation regarding your case.