The holidays are quickly approaching, which means lots of fun parties and gatherings with loved ones. These events typically feature alcoholic beverages, which can lead you to trouble should you get pulled over.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to avoid driving under the influence when you are spending time with friends and family. The University of Missouri offers the following safe driving tips to help you avoid DUIs this holiday season.
Know how your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) affects you
The more alcohol you drink, the higher your BAC. At .02%, you will experience affected mood, lapses in judgment, and reduced visual function. Upon reaching .05%, judgment becomes even more impaired, while alertness decreases. The legal limit is .08%, and at this point muscle coordination, self-control, short-term memory, and information processing are negatively impacted.
Designate a driver before heading out
A designated driver is a person in your friend or family group who commits to abstain from drinking for the evening, so they can operate a vehicle safely. You and your loved ones can take turns staying sober during parties over the holiday season to ensure everyone can get home safely.
Look for another way home when inebriated
In the event you drive to a gathering and become inebriated, it is best to schedule a ride-share, call a taxi, or ask for a ride from a friend who has abstained from drinking for the evening. If you cannot secure a safe way home, ask the party host if you can remain at their home until you are sober again or travel with friends to their home until morning.
There are also steps you can take to prevent others from driving drunk. If you are out with a friend who insists on driving even though they are drunk, take their keys and help them find an alternate way home. If you are having a party at your home, make sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available. And if you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, pull over and notify the police immediately.
