It is important to avoid the chances of a DUI by making smart decisions. Because Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Tennessee, you want to have some strategies to safely enjoy your “partying.”
Unfortunately, DUI situations can arise if you are not being careful about choices about drinking or other substance abuse. For example if a person has spent the evening overindulging in alcohol, they will probably lack the ability to properly assess their level of intoxication and ability to drive. Therefore they may make the poor decision to get behind the wheel and drive.
To avoid the chances of getting a DUI, plan ahead. Some good strategies that you can use to avoid the chances of a DUI are:
- Best Judgment
Probably the hardest thing to exercise in potential DUI situations, a person has to use their best judgment before deciding to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Luckily, this solution works best when used before drinking; if you know your judgment will be impaired during the evening, plan on using public transportation and not going anywhere near your vehicle.
- Designated Drivers
This DUI avoidance strategy comes with several benefits. In addition to having an assigned driver that has foregone the evening’s indulgences in the name of safety, a designated driver ensures the person or party that has been drinking will have a person capable of making good decisions on behalf of everyone else.
That is to say, a designated driver works on the same principle as the buddy system: someone watches your back and ensures your safety.
- Avoid Solitary Drinking
If the individual happens to be prone to drinking, it’s best to do so when in the company of others. Just as designated drivers can serve as a type of chaperone, drinking with others can help prevent a person from overindulging while having someone with them act as a check against alcohol abuse.
Additionally, since alcohol functions as a depressant, having someone you know and trust drink with you can help alleviate feelings of isolation and depression. This allows a person to make better decisions based on the evening’s activities.
- Transportation Alternatives
Doesn’t matter if it’s a taxi, a bus, or a ridesharing program like Uber or Lyft, having a transportation alternative can prevent potential DUI situations from ever happening.
Depending on your location, the best part about transportation alternatives might be the scheduling. Taxis and rideshares tend to operate on a 24/7 basis, making it very easy to contact and schedule a ride at any time. Buses may be held to a shorter schedule, but they still present a preferable alternative to driving while intoxicated.
- Eat and Hydrate
Dehydration tends to be one of the common problems associated with any kind of drinking, both in how alcohol interacts with a person’s system in the present and future. A good way to avoid DUI situations includes regularly drinking water while consuming alcohol.
Likewise, drinking on an empty stomach can increase a person’s level of intoxication at a faster rate. Eating food and drinking water while consuming alcohol can therefore limit the immediate impacts, allowing a person to make better decisions regarding transportation.
If you take steps to avoid chances of a DUI, you will not regret it. Unfortunately sometimes our best intentions can be derailed and you may find yourself being charged with a DUI!
The Clarke Law Firm Can Help If You are Charged with a DUI
If you have unfortunately been unable to avoid a DUI charge, you will want the best criminal defense you can get. The penalties for DUI conviction can be harsh including fines, loss of driving privileges, and even jail time. Murfreesboro DUI attorney David Clarke has the experience to make sure you have the best possible outcome in your DUI case.
Contact The Clarke Law Firm today if you have been charged with a DUI.
