How to Avoid a DUI in Maryland This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for celebration and festive gatherings with family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of year where the number of DUI arrests increases. So many people are attending holiday parties and dinners, often deciding to have a drink or two. While there’s nothing wrong with having a drink, consuming alcohol puts you at risk of being intoxicated while driving.
Driving under the influence is never a good idea. It can lead to arrest, car accidents, injury, or even death. For many drivers, a DUI arrest is their first criminal charge. Here are a few ways to avoid getting a DUI this holiday season.
Tips to Avoid Getting a DUI
Don’t Drink and Drive
Simply put, the only true way to avoid a DUI during the holiday is to not drink and drive. If you plan to have a couple of drinks at a holiday party, know how you’re going to get yourself home before you even arrive at the party. You can plan to call for a taxi or an Uber or find someone who is willing to forgo drinking to make sure you and others will get home safely.
Know Your Limits
Another key tip for avoiding a DUI is to know your personal limit when it comes to drinking. It’s important to keep track of just how much you’ve had to drink and cut yourself off before you get drunk. If you aren’t sure just how much you can handle, there are blood alcohol content (BAC) calculators online that require you to input your size and gender. It will give you an idea of what your BAC level will be after a certain amount of alcohol. This can help you make a smarter decision about how much you’re able to drink. You just need to make sure you stay below the legal limit.
Prepare in Advance
If you’re heading to a fun holiday party where you know you’ll have a few drinks, it’s always a wise decision to prepare in advance. That means to eat something prior to getting your first drink, since the effects of alcohol are stronger on an empty stomach. Once you’ve started drinking, it’s best to pace yourself so you don’t overdo it.
Know Where the DUI Checkpoints Will Be
Police in your area are sure to set up DUI checkpoints in high-traffic areas this time of year. They’re anticipating that people will be coming home from holiday parties, and they’re out to catch anyone who is driving under the influence. If you’re going to be driving home, it’s a good idea to be aware of any checkpoints on your route home and avoid the checkpoints if possible.
Today, someone has probably posted checkpoint locations on social media. There are also apps dedicated to reporting DUI checkpoints and could be worthwhile to check before hitting the road. That being said, try to ensure you are sober enough to drive. While knowing where checkpoints are might keep you from facing a DUI, it will not protect you from the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
Contact Experienced Maryland DUI Attorneys to Protect Your Rights
With such an opportunity for a festive celebration, the holidays are ripe for drinking and driving. In such situations, protecting yourself and your rights is vital. A DUI can cause you to lose your license or even face time in jail. With assistance from a DUI lawyer at The Law Offices of Hillel Traub, you can help protect yourself from charges of DUI in Maryland. Contact our firm at (410) 580-1100 or contact us through our website today for a free consultation.