How to Avoid a Holiday DUI Charge

Many Americans drink alcohol to celebrate the holiday season, and while there is nothing wrong with drinking in moderation, an increase in alcohol consumption can easily lead to an increase in motor vehicle accidents involving drunk drivers. Fortunately, there are ways to keep everyone on the road safe and steer clear of being charged for driving under the influence (DUI) during the holidays.

5 Tips for Avoiding a DUI During the Holiday Season

1. Do Not Drink and Drive

Although it may seem like a real no-brainer, the most effective way to avoid a DUI amid the holiday season (or at any time of the year) is to refrain from drinking and driving at all. If you know you need to get behind the wheel later, do not drink any alcohol; opt for a non-alcoholic beverage instead.

2. Designate a Sober Driver

If you still want to drink but still need to drive, enlist the help of a designated driver: a person who will refrain from drinking so they can drive you home. This way, you will not have to worry about somehow sobering up before you get behind the wheel; instead, you can rest easy knowing you have a safe ride. Remember to choose someone you can rely on to follow through on staying sober.

3. Take an Uber or Lyft

If you cannot find an appropriate designated driver and have found yourself too inebriated to drive, using a rideshare app, such as Uber or Lyft, is always a good idea. It may be more expensive, but it is better to pay a few bucks than endanger those around you.

4. Know the Legal Limit

Each state has different DUI laws, as the rubric for sobriety is not homogeneous across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more too inebriated to operate a vehicle. That being said, in Utah, this figure has been lowered to a BAC of 0.05% for drivers of drinking age. Of course, for underage individuals, the only acceptable BAC per Utah law is 0%, meaning those under 21 years of age will not get off scot-free with a BAC of 0.04%.

5. “One Drink an Hour” Isn’t Always a Good Rule of Thumb

Many people of drinking age have heard the maxim that having “one drink an hour” will keep you sober enough to drive yourself and any loved ones home. However, alcohol affects every person differently due to countless factors, including weight, alcohol tolerance, and the type of alcohol consumed. While a BAC of 0.05% is associated with about three alcoholic drinks, per the CDC, some individuals may feel too impaired to drive after just one drink. It is, therefore, wise to not adhere to this “one drink an hour” rule and err on the side of caution.

Facing DUI/DWI Charges? Pearson Butler Can Help.

Our team at Pearson Butler hopes these tips will help you drink responsibly this holiday season. If you have already been charged with a DUI, we want to hear from you. We understand the long-term impact a conviction can have on your life: It can result in jail time, future employment issues, lost driving privileges, and more. That is why we want to protect your rights. Contact Pearson Butler online or at (800) 265-2314 to arrange a free consultation.