13 of 16

Write now Article Tools

We all know that drinking and driving isn't the best of ideas; in truth, however, its something a lot of us do or are tempted to do from time to time. It's common to think that one or two drinks and the feeling of being sober mean we're okay to drive. Unfortunately, statistics show that even one drink of an alcoholic beverage can impair your judgment and motor skills, and in many states that one drink can be enough to send your blood alcohol level over the legal limit.

Though we know drinking and driving isn't safe or legal, there are times many of us tempt fate. Perhaps we've only had one drink, feel fine, and don't have far to drive. Maybe we had a couple of drinks hours ago and feel the alcohol has had time to leave our system. Whatever our reasoning, we all know that there is simply no excuse for driving after drinking.

Besides the obvious potential for harming one's self, passengers in the car, or innocent victims, driving and drinking carries the possible consequence of arrest for Driving Under the Influence. Every state varies on its DUI laws, but all of them are severe. Getting a DUI is a serious offense that will cost you hundreds of dollars in bond, lawyer fees, and raised insurance rates; it may even land you some jail time. Some people may lose their jobs if arrested for DUI while others may have a difficult time finding certain types of employment with a DUI on their record. This legal and financial hassle, as well as the emotional and mental burden, is something to avoid at all costs.

Naturally, the most obvious way to stay away from a DUI is to not drink and drive. That isn't such a simple solution, however; situations may come up that not getting behind the wheel after a drink or two isn't a simple choice. The best way to avoid such situations is to plan ahead.

A designated driver is one method of planning ahead that is very effective. Before going out drinking with friends always choose one person to be the designated driver. The DD can be a different person each time the same group goes out so that everyone has a chance to enjoy themselves at outings. Since the DD will be driving everyone to and from their homes, the group can also offer to chip in on gas for the DD's vehicle. In this situation, everyone wins and everyone is safe.

Perhaps you've met up with some co-workers after closing hours to have a few drinks. At the end of the evening, everyone is going home in their separate vehicles. You have no designated driver and you only live a short distance away. You feel fine, you reason, and it's so close. Remember that most accidents occur within five miles of home, and even if you have only had one drink and feel okay, you are still impaired. In this situation, you should call either a trusted friend to come and pick you up and bring you home or a local taxi cab. Most restaurants and bars have a list of cabs they can call for you; just ask the manager. A number of cities also have Tipsy Taxi; a free service that will get you home safely after a night of drinking. Check your local listings and program the number into your cell phone.

The important thing is to always plan ahead - have the number of a taxi service and/or a trusted friend in your cell phone that can come and get you rather than attempting to drive yourself. You can always come back and get your vehicle the next morning; it may seem like a nuisance but its preferable to picking your car up from the pound or a junkyard.

Taking the proper steps to ensure you never have to get behind the wheel after drinking is the right thing to do. Not only are you possibly saving lives-your own included-you are saving yourself from the disgrace and despair of dealing with a DUI.

Learn more about this author, Shanna Riley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Easy tips for preventing a DUI arrest?
We want to hear your view. Write now!