Understanding The Real Costs Of DUI In Houston
Part 2
What You Can Do To Prevent DUI Charge
The most effective way to steer clear of DUIs is to completely avoid drinking and driving. With that said, social drinking is very common in the United States. How much can you safely drink before driving? Whether you enjoy a champagne toast at a family wedding, grab a few drinks at a work happy hour, or relax with beers at a friend’s football party, driving after drinking can always lead to DUI arrests. Because of this, authorities suggest that you should avoid driving if you’ve even had one alcoholic beverage.
While you can be arrested for a DUI if your BAC is 0.08, the level of impairment drivers experience at this level can vary. Many factors can impact how strongly a person is impacted by alcohol, including someone’s size and how frequently they drink. Some types of impairment you might see when driving with a 0.08 BAC level are:
- Issues recognizing risks
- Issues with memory, self-control, judgment, and thinking rationally
- Loss of muscle coordination, including loss of balance, decreased reaction time, and issues with speech and vision
Alcohol consumption can make it very difficult to safely drive because it influences:
- Ability to focus
- Short-term memory
- Control of driving speed
- Perception
- Ability to process information
- How to Keep Loved Ones From Driving While Intoxicated
When someone is intoxicated, you can’t always have a rational conversation with them. That’s why it’s best to establish a plan before anyone begins drinking. If someone agrees to be the designated driver for the night, it could save lives. However, if you do need to keep someone that’s been drinking from getting into their vehicle, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid taking a confrontational approach; remain calm and make a point of speaking slowly
- Ask other people to assist you
- Let them know that you’re concerned about them
- Bring up other options, such as calling for a Lyft or Uber or having a sober friend take them home
- Let them stay with you for the night
- Hold onto their car keys
- Contact the police if you run out of options. You may not want to see your loved one arrested, but it’s a better outcome than a potentially deadly accident.
What Do I Do If I’ve Been Charged With A DUI?
What happens after a DUI arrest? That can vary based on:
- The state you were arrested in
- Your blood alcohol level
- Whether you have previous charges
It’s best to have the support of a qualified and experienced DUI lawyer. An attorney can review your case and talk you through your options. Whether you agree to a plea, fight the charges you’re facing, or request specific accommodations, working with a lawyer can lead to a better outcome for you.
If you have been charged with a DUI, we may be able to represent you in court, reduce your sentence, and even help you maintain your job. Contact us or call us today and offer yourself a chance to get your career and life back on track! Visit our blog for more related articles. Click here for the first article in this series.