Three Tips to Avoid a Holiday DUI in Palmdale

Did you know that the holiday season typically brings about an increase in drunk driving arrests? During the holiday season, social gatherings and company parties abound, causing people to have a higher tendency to drink and drive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that alcohol consumption will have a hand in nearly 25,000 traffic injuries during the holiday season this year. In reaction, Palmdale law enforcement is highly likely to be out in full force in search of intoxicated drivers. Our firm has created a short list of tips that can help you avoid an unexpected arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) this holiday season.

1. Don’t Drink and Drive at All

This may sound obvious, but the only guaranteed way to avoid a DUI is to refrain from drinking and driving completely. If you are planning on drinking, either make plans to stay the night where you are or secure an alternate means of getting home. Bring a designated driver, take a train, or call a cab. The cost of transportation will always be than the potential consequences of a DUI arrest. By choosing to drink responsibly, you will keep both yourself and others safe during the holiday season.

2. Keep an Eye on Your BAC

When drinking, there are several things you can do to keep your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under control. This is crucial, as any driver operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or above can be charged with DUI. If you are a commercial driver, this limit is cut in half.

The following methods can all help manage your BAC:

  • Pace yourself to one drink per hour
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Do not drink on an empty stomach
  • Wait plenty of time before driving

While these tips can help you keep your BAC under the legal limit, it is important to remember that everyone reacts to alcohol differently. A person’s gender, weight, and rate of consumption will all have an effect on alcohol tolerance. Personal breathalyzers are commercially sold and can be useful as a method of gauging your BAC, though the accuracy of these devices can be questionable.

3. Drive Safely

If you are under the legal limit and have waited a considerable amount of time to sober up, it is imperative that you drive safely and obey all traffic laws en route to your destination. Ignoring stop signs, speeding, and making risky maneuvers will all make you a prime target for being stopped by police. If an officer pulls you over and smells alcohol on your breath, you could easily find yourself in a heap of trouble.

Charged with DUI? Call (800) 860-1383

If you should be arrested for DUI this holiday season, the Palmdale criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. Wallin are prepared to defend you against your charges in a court of law. With 40+ years of combined experience and the invaluable perspective of a former Deputy District Attorney, we have the skills and extensive knowledge you need to give you the edge in the courtroom. You are innocent until proven guilty, and we are willing to do everything in our power to protect your rights.

Tell us about your situation by contacting us online or by requesting a free consultation today!