Throughout the year, we often have chances to spend time with friends and family, whether it’s for a simple Sunday dinner or a big celebration. While these gatherings can create wonderful memories, they also come with certain responsibilities.
If you’re going to a place where alcohol will be served, it’s important to be responsible. The dangers of drunk driving are well-known, and the statistics can be shocking and horrifying.
Being responsible starts at the party. To avoid a DUI, you need to plan ahead, even before you think about driving home. Here are some steps to stay safe:
1. If you’re the designated driver, let your host know that you’re sticking to non-alcoholic drinks.
2. If you’re hosting, consider collecting keys from your guests to prevent anyone from driving drunk.
3. Know when to switch to non-alcoholic drinks. For instance, if you’re watching the Super Bowl, stop serving alcohol when the second half begins. This gives drivers time to sober up. If anyone is still intoxicated, offer them a place to stay overnight.
Certain occasions like Super Bowl Sunday, Saint Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve see a spike in drunk driving incidents. To combat this, companies and law enforcement agencies run specific campaigns.
One example is the “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign during Super Bowl weekend, urging people to make sure no one drives if they’ve been drinking. Another is the impactful displays near high schools during prom and graduation seasons, where they display wrecked cars to remind students of the consequences of drunk driving.
However, despite these campaigns, some people still choose to drink and drive. If you end up getting a DUI, it’s crucial to hire a skilled DUI lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process and help you deal with the consequences.
In short, enjoying time with loved ones is great, but it’s important to be smart and safe when alcohol is involved.