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Prevention is the most simple and straightforward action in avoiding a potential arrest and conviction for driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, not to mention the possible risk to human life, including your own.

Research suggests that there are approximately two million car accidents resulting from drivers under the influence, and in the last ten years more than 250,OOO Americans have lost their lives due to alcohol related accidents.

(Community Alcohol Information Program Inc)

The avoidance of the likely consequences of your actions will be determined by your ability to accept when you are not, or unlikely to be, physically and mentally fit to drive a car.

If you are knowingly going to an establishment or event where you think that you may have a drink be prepared.

* If you have no option but to drive, only consume soft drinks. People often misinterpret the volume of alcohol consumed and assume that it will not affect their ability to operate a vehicle.

* Taking alternative transport. Either use public transport or hire a taxi. Compare the price of a taxi to the cost of a fine totaling several hundreds or thousands of dollars.

* Ensure you have the ability and money to make arrangements for returning home, even if it means leaving your car behind. What is the worry of your car compared to the knowledge that you have taken an innocent life.

* If you must drive yourself or others to a location give your car keys to someone trustworthy, or make arrangements for someone who is not drinking to pick you up.

* Never allow yourself to be driven by someone who you know has been drinking or under the influence of drugs. Several passengers have lost their lives obtaining lifts from drivers under the influence.

* If you are taking a prescription medication, be aware as to its possible effects on your driving abilities. You may not be aware that certain medications will undoubtedly impair your reactions. Check with your physician or pharmacist.

* Do not give in to the pressure to drive. If your friends or family want you to drive back and you question your own ability, simply refuse. We do not possess hindsight, so once you have made the decision you cannot change the outcome.

* If you have been drinking heavily the night before, you may feel able in the morning, but the level of alcohol in your bloodstream can still be classed as above the legal limit and result in an arrest and conviction should you be stopped.

Many motorists have been caught out in this method by incorrectly assuming that the next day they will be within the limits. Are you prepared to risk the suspension of your license through a conviction for a misdemeanor, and the effects this may have on your current and future employment.

Do not become a statistic. Always drive carefully and with the due responsibility. The wrong choice in assuming that you are capable of controlling a vehicle can be the difference between life and death.

If you are arrested for driving under the influence your next step is to be honest and accept your error of judgment and the associated consequences. A specialized lawyer will inform you of the likely legal outcome of your arrest and conviction.

Think! Are you prepared to face court, to risk losing your license, be fined or to serve a jail term, all for the inept ability to understand that driving under the influence is a criminal offense for a reason.

Be safe. Don't drink and drive.

Learn more about this author, James Mockridge..
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