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TIPS TO PREVENT A DUI

The way to prevent being charged with a crime is to not commit it in the first place. Drinking is not a crime. Driving is not a crime. But driving, after you've been drinking, a.k.a. "driving under the influence" is a criminal offense. Thus, it follows to prevent being charged with a DUI, do not "drive under the influence" in the first place. Simple, right? The courtrooms, the jails, the hospitals, and the graveyards say otherwise.

Since a DUI charge results from the combination of drinking and driving, it follows that one or both of these actions needs to cease to avoid being charged with the crime. If circumstances arise wherein a person wants to drink, then driving is no longer an option. But there are several alternatives to driving after drinking because once you get behind that wheel, the odds that you will be charged with DUI go sky high.

THE TAXI. Almost every public place that serves alcohol will call a taxi when requested. Many will even pay the fare if an intoxicated patron is no longer being served alcohol at the establishments discretion. Additionally, many cab companies will issue a voucher for a free ride back to your car the next day, making it virtually inexcusable to be charged with a DUI. You may have to wait a bit, but that will just give you time to get your wits about you.

The average cost for a taxi is $15.00, not including tip.

The average cost for a DUI, including fines, incarceration fees, mandatory steering wheel devices, SR22 insurance, and mandatory classes is $3,500. This DOES NOT include costs associated with an attorney, car impoundment, lost time from work, taxis/busses if license is suspended, or increased insurance rates, which could easily increase it to $6,500. A savings of $6,485.00 would be recognized if the taxi is taken.

THE DESIGNATED DRIVER. This is a person who is committed to sobriety for the duration of the consumption of alcohol, and who is going to be responsible for the welfare and safety of all those who are drinking. It can be a frustrating and annoying job to be the bodyguard of inebriated friends, but the importance of this role cannot be stressed enough. Get your designated driver a little token of appreciation the next day.

THE BUDDY SYSTEM. More than likely, there is someone you are very close to who cares about you. Someone you would call to bail you out of jail if you were arrested for a DUI charge, only give them a break and make a promise with this person instead. A promise that you will always be there for one another if a ride is needed. If your buddy can't come and get you, it is understood that a taxi will be sent and paid for when you get dropped off. A small cab fare fund could be shared by both of you. The important thing here is the commitment to the responsibility of calling if you need a ride and responding to the call when it comes.

So, it is pretty obvious that being charged with a DUI is very, very preventable. It's a matter of taking responsibility for your actions; and a matter of making a commitment to others before the drinking begins; and a matter of believing your efforts, although somewhat inconvenient, are preventing injuries or loss of life.

Learn more about this author, Darlene Lyman.
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