by Douglas Samuelson

Created on: May 02, 2008   Last Updated: February 21, 2011

The repercussions from receiving a DUI are many. The costs for fines, legal fees, loss of work, increased insurance rates, and alcohol treatment can exceed $10,000 for a first offense. The embarrassment for you and your family can have serious effects. In some cases, it can even mean the loss of a job. Many jurisdictions require mandatory jail time.

The most logical way to prevent a DUI is to not drink and drive. This is a "no brainer".

How many times have you been asked by associates or friends to meet at a bar for "one" drink after work? This is commonplace in our society. It can be a very relaxing and fun experience or it can be very dangerous. The makers of alcoholic beverages caution us to drink responsibly. I have a simple mathematical equation regarding this warning: the sense of responsibility decreases in direct proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed. In many cases, that one drink turns into two, three, and even more.

When this situation occurs, and you feel that you have exceeded your limit, there are several things that you can do to prevent the risk of driving under the influence or while intoxicated. Of course, the sense of responsibility equation comes into play. Ask a friend to drive you home. Call a friend or relative and ask for a ride. Call a cab (the cost of a cab fare is minuscule compared to the cost of a DUI). Go to a restaurant within walking distance and eat a hearty meal and, after eating, wait as long as it takes to be assured that you are capable of driving before getting behind the wheel. As a last resort, get a motel or hotel room and "sleep it off."

Several years ago, a friend of mine spent a Super Bowl evening at a local pub. After the game he continued to drink until the bar closed at 2:00 A.M. Needless to say, he was highly intoxicated. When the bar closed, he walked across the street and called for a cab. It was cold outside, so he got in his car and started the engine so that he could run the heater until the cab arrived. To make a long story short, the cops pulled up behind him and he was arrested for DWI.

To lessen the chances of being pulled over for a routine traffic stop, make sure that all of the lights on your car are working and that you have current registration tags. Make sure that your seat belts are fastened. Do not exceed the speed limit and just as importantly, do not drive too slowly.

In conclusion, before attempting to drive after drinking, consider the consequences. Not only could you be putting your own life in danger, you could kill or seriously injure others, and you could cause severe property damage. Do not be embarrassed to ask for a ride home. Your friends and family will respect you much more than if you are arrested for a DUI.

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