Top Tips to Avoid Getting a Christmas DUI

Did you know that in 2019, grant funding for troopers across the state of Maryland around the holiday season led to numerous DUI’s? This extra funding for state troopers was provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation for the Highway Safety Office and led to approximately 171 DUI’s, resulting in an uptick of arrests around Christmas all across the state of Maryland. So if you’re planning to spend Christmas away from your home and hitting the roads to travel, it’s important not to drink and drive. Drinking and driving puts yourself and others at risk on the road and can be a costly legal battle to become embroiled in. By following these top tips to avoid getting a Christmas DUI, you can ensure that your holidays stay merry and bright. 

Avoid Getting a Christmas DUI by Not Drinking and Driving

Nobody ever plans on driving under the influence. Often, a family member or friend will hit the roads for the holiday season to go from one house to another for parties. Between each home, eggnog and holiday drinks may be consumed, and eventually an individual may become too impaired to drive without realizing it. In Maryland, an individual over 21+ needs to have a .08 “per se” BAC level to be charged with a DUI. For most individuals, obtaining a .08 BAC level can happen between three and five drinks. However, various factors can impact how your body processes alcohol, making it essential to avoid drinking and driving altogether. If you’ve consumed even one drink, do not get behind the wheel to go home this holiday season.

Get an Uber or Lyft 

This holiday season, you can depend on an Uber or Lyft to give you a ride to any destination rather than driving yourself. Even if you’re close to your destination, it’s not worth getting in your vehicle and hitting the road, especially since many DUIs happen close to a driver’s destination. If you’re planning on Ubering, you can even reserve a ride in advance! Lyft also offers incentives to passengers, including fare estimates between each destination. By planning in advance to avoid drinking and driving this holiday season, you can protect yourself against getting a DUI. 

Have a Designated Sober Driver 

If you know that you’re planning to drink at any upcoming Christmas parties, be sure to have at least a designated sober driver in the form of a family member or friend who can drive for you. Your designated sober driver can serve as your safety net to drink responsibly without putting others, or yourself, at risk on the road. Ultimately, avoiding a DUI around Christmas comes down to planning to ensure that you have a system in place that’ll keep you safe from drunk driving. If you end up getting a DUI regardless of what you’ve planned, you can contact the DUI/DWI attorneys at Albers & Associates for a consultation. 

ALBERS & ASSOCIATES IS YOUR EXPERIENCED DUI/DWI DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Albers & Associates is your experienced DUI/DWI defense attorney for this holiday season. If you end up getting a DUI/DWI this holiday season, you can depend on our expert legal counsel located in Carroll County, MD. We can diligently advocate on your behalf for the best possible legal outcome. Contact our legal team for a consultation today or give us a call at (443) 665-8030.