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Wherever the average consumer of news chooses to look these days, it seems as though he or she doesn't have to look far to be confronted with the latest news of a celebrity facing a DUI charge. In Hollywood and in the rest of society, DUI charges are laid with alarming frequency, indicating that many people have not yet gotten the message that it's dangerous to drink and

drive.

So, how can a person avoid becoming a statistic? The simplest answer, of course, is to not ever consume any alcohol prior to driving. However, in the real world, people quite often have a few drinks over the course of a dinner out with friends, for example, and assume that because of the food they've eaten in combination with the alcohol, that they are capable of driving safely. Then, while passing through a roadside spot check on the way home, they find that they are actually over the legal blood alcohol limit. To avoid this scenario, it's a wise idea to have a strict limit for alcohol consumption; know your own limits, and stick to them. When you find yourself feeling the effects of the alcohol you're drinking, such as slightly reduced agility and concentration, it's time to stop drinking and have something to eat. At that point, driving should be out of the question, as the alcohol has already begun to take it's toll.

Another way to stay out of trouble is to stay away from the monster sized portions served in
bars and restaurants. The pint glasses that draught beer is served in are an invitation to trouble; it may be prudent to stick with bottled beer, assuming of course that you don't make up for the smaller size by consuming more of them.

Still another thing to consider in regards to this subject is the value of friends looking out for one another. More pairs of eyes means more accountability. If you see a friend who shouldn't be driving heading towards their car, even if you're not sure exactly how much they've had to drink, stop them. Help them get a cab, or make other arrangements to ensure their safety and the safety of others. They should be doing the same for you. Isn't that what friends are for?

Finally, a word about the pleasures of moderate alcohol consumption is in order. Who among us hasn't experienced the morning after? The aftereffects of overindulgence can include a headache, a queasy stomach, and a general feeling of exhaustion. Enjoying a glass of wine
with friends or a really great beer during a celebration are among the pleasures of life.
It's not necessary to get drunk to enjoy alcohol. As in most things, sane enjoyment of alcoholic beverages means not using the product to excess.

To sum up, drunk driving can cause heartbreak when accidents occur because of the carelessness of impaired drivers. Add to that the legal headaches resulting from a DUI charge, and you'll see that it's not worth it to drink and drive.

Learn more about this author, Kathleen Wheeler.
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