Tips for Avoiding a DUI Charge

According to recent statistics, almost one-third of car accident fatalities in the U.S. in 2021 involved drunk drivers. Due to the serious nature of a drunk driving offense, those who break the law can face fines, jail time and suspension of their driver’s license. In addition to the financial cost and legal repercussions, a DUI can have a lasting impact on a person’s life affecting areas such as career prospects and credit score.

While being aware of the implications of a DUI can certainly act as a deterrent it does not necessarily prevent an individual from being charged with the offense. In this article, we’ll explore some practical strategies to help you stay sober and avoid the likelihood of a DUI charge arising.

Pre-Plan Your Night 

When heading to a social event, it is best to plan ahead to avoid drinking and driving. This can be done by arranging for a designated driver to take you to your event and return you safely to your home. This can be a friend, family member or another individual who agrees to stay sober and can drive their own vehicle or is insured to drive yours.

Alternatively, a rideshare or taxi service can pick you up from your event and safely drop you off at your destination. If you host a social event, it is also good practice to ask if anyone is driving and encourage them to make alternative arrangements if they plan to drink. 

Know the Legal Limit

If you do get behind the wheel after having a drink, ensure you are within the limits allowed by the law. The legal alcohol limit for most states in the U.S. is currently 0.08%. This refers to the blood alcohol content (BAC), meaning it is a criminal offense to drive if you have a BAC at or above 0.08%. 

As BAC can be affected by many factors including weight, gender and food intake, the amount of alcohol consumed can affect each person differently. Consulting a BAC chart according to your gender can act as a useful guide when determining your limits and ensuring you drive responsibly. You can learn more about a First Time DUI Offence In Ontario by visiting this site.

Have Something to Eat

Eating food before you drink or during, will slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. This results in a lower BAC and slower rate of intoxication compared to consuming alcohol on an empty stomach.

Alcohol is absorbed into the blood through the stomach and small intestine. The presence of food in the stomach can act as a sponge, absorbing some of the alcohol and slowing down its absorption into the bloodstream. This is especially true of foods that contain a mixture of fat, protein, and carbohydrates such as a burger with sweet potato fries or an egg and cheese sandwich.

By following the advice outlined you not only ensure your own safety and well-being but also that of other road users, helping to prevent the risk of a DUI charge as well as an accident.