How to Avoid a DUI This Holiday Season

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The holidays are considered by many individuals to be a time for celebration with friends, family, and other loved ones. Caroling, enjoying tasty food, and simply reminiscing are all popular activities during this time of year. Unfortunately, in some cases, individuals consume excessive amounts of alcohol during holiday events—which can lead to a DUI citation. Party goers who wish to avoid a DUI during the festive season should first understand the risks of a DUI and its prevalence during the holidays. In addition, choosing a designated driver, taking public transportation, and monitoring alcohol consumption are all effective ways to avoid a DUI during the holiday season.

Individuals who drive after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can expect to get a DUI citation at any time of year. However, most experts agree that rates of DUI citations increase drastically during the holiday season. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, nearly 2,600 people were killed during the month of December in 2010—and 30% of these accidents were believed to be related to alcohol consumption. This is up nearly 10% from alcohol-related accidents in the month of February, after the holidays have passed and social events are less frequent.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which individuals who hope to avoid a DUI during the holidays can do so. One of the easiest and most effective methods of DUI-avoidance is the identification of a designated driver. As suggested by the name, a designated driver is a man or woman who has agreed not to have any alcohol during the course of the night, and provides a safe ride home to all guests who require transportation. This is considered by many individuals to be one of the best sure-fire ways to maintain safety while drinking at a holiday party.

Unfortunately, certain circumstances exist in which individuals do not have access to a designated driver—and instead, may have to think “outside of the box.” For these people, public transportation may be an ideal way of getting home in a safe and responsible manner. While there are a number of different modes of public transportation available to individuals who hope to avoid a DUI during the holidays, buses, subways, and even taxis are some of the most popular. Many cities and states run programs during the holiday season during which transportation fares are waived when a “safe ride” is required.

Finally, monitoring the amount of alcohol that one has to drink may be the easiest way to avoid a DUI during the holidays—and for that matter, at any time of year. Depending on the gender and weight of the individual in question, the amount of alcohol that is required to reach intoxication may vary quite drastically. However, most people are able to determine when they have had too much to drink simply by the way that they feel. Those who notice impairment in their vision, reaction time, or cognition should not attempt to operate a motor vehicle until the alcohol has begun to wear off.

If you have received a DUI or DWI citation during the holiday season, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. For more information visit the website of Reece & Reece Attorneys at Law, DUI lawyers from North Carolina, at www.Johnston-County-Defense-Lawyer.com.

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Andrew Mounier

Andrew Mounier is a Content Engineer and Author. He has worked in marketing for over a decade and finds his passion in bringing concepts to life for the world to enjoy. He is also an avid legal blogger and currently working on a book with his wife about social entrepreneurship. He is a true Socialpreneur and finds that his goal in life is to be an agent for positive social change through both his writing and business endeavors.