Five Tips to Avoid a DUI This Summer

Summer is full of celebrations. In addition to the popular Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day holidays, lots of New Jersey residents choose to enjoy the warm weather with barbecues, pool parties, and other get-togethers with family and friends. These numerous occasions mean lots of alcohol will be consumed over the next several months, and that means law enforcement will be increasing their efforts to crack down on drunk drivers.

Being arrested for DUI can put a serious damper on your summer fun, so it’s important to be prepared. Penalties for a guilty plea or conviction can include jail time, large fines, education programs, license suspensions, and much more. If you plan on drinking at a party or get-together, here are five tips to help you avoid being arrested for DUI.

Plan Ahead

The easiest thing to do to avoid a DUI is to simply plan ahead. Know you’re going to be drinking where you’re going? Arrange for a ride home or find a place to stay at your destination. This may involve staying with a friend or booking a hotel, but any costs you might incur pale in comparison to the costs and impact of having a DUI on your record. Not to mention you’ll dramatically decrease the risk of a dangerous and devastating drunk driving accident.

Travel with a Designated Driver

If you’re traveling with a large group of people, find out if a member of the group is not going to be partaking in alcohol and consider asking them to be the designated driver for the evening. This will help the entire group avoid being arrested for DUI and make sure everyone gets home safely. If your group goes drinking on a regular basis, consider rotating the designated driver so everyone takes turns having this responsibility.

Take a Taxi

It’s never a bad idea to look up the name and phone number of some local taxi cab companies either in your town or the area where you’re going to be drinking. Taxis can usually dispatch a ride to your location in just a few minutes, and the costs are far better than the costs of a DUI charge. Save a few numbers in your phone, just in case you find yourself needing one on the trip.

Use a Rideshare Service

Rideshares are an increasingly popular alternative to taxi cab services due to their lower costs and often nicer vehicles. The prices can fluctuate pretty wildly, but they are extraordinarily convenient due to their use of a smartphone app to hail a vehicle as opposed to trying to find a taxi. And who knows, you might be able to get a ride cheaper from one of these than you would a taxi. Keep both options open.

Drink Responsibly

If you know you’re going to be at an event with alcohol present and will need to drive yourself home afterward, make the responsible choice and don’t drink while there. Some people who do drink knowing they have to drive later will choose to keep a breathalyzer in their vehicle to help them gauge whether or not they are above or below the legal limit. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you don’t get behind the wheel with your blood alcohol above the 0.08% mark.

If you are arrested and find yourself facing DUI charges this summer, the Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC is available and ready to help you navigate your case. With 30 years of experience, our Bergen County DUI attorney has helped numerous clients handle their charges with confidence. Attorney Joseph R. Donahue is a former prosecutor, giving him a detailed knowledge of how your prosecution will approach your case and allowing them to craft a high-quality, hard-hitting defense of your rights.