Don't Drink And Drive: How To Avoid A DWI This Holiday Season
With the holiday season fast approaching, it's time to start thinking about the parties, particularly the alcohol that will be served at those holiday parties. Law enforcement will be out in force, looking for drivers who are impaired. The last thing you want is to get pulled over while you're under the influence, or worse, cause a car accident while you're in an impaired state. If you're going to be heading to parties this holiday season, you'll need to take steps to avoid impaired driving. Here are four simple steps you can take to help avoid a DWI this year.
Plan Ahead
If you know that you're going to be drinking at the parties you attend, the best thing you can do is plan ahead. One way to do that is to avoid driving altogether. That doesn't mean that you should stay home from the parties. It means you should let someone else do the driving. Instead of driving yourself to the parties, hire a driver for the evening. There are several rideshare options available that will take you to your various destinations for a small fee. By having a rideshare driver take you to your parties, you won't have a choice but to call them for a ride home. You'll be able to enjoy the evening without worrying about the drive home.
Don't Skip Meals
In today's hectic world, it can be easy to overlook mealtime. However, if you're going to be indulging in alcohol during the holiday parties, you can't afford to skip meals. Before you head out to the festivities, grab a bite to eat. Once you arrive at the parties, make sure you snack on the foods that are available throughout the night. The added food on your stomach will help reduce the affects that alcohol will have on you, which will help keep you sober for the drive home.
Hand Your Keys Over
If you know that you're going to be drinking at a party, hand your keys over as soon as you arrive. Make sure the host puts them up in a safe place. When you're ready to head home, you'll need to ask the host for your car keys. If you're in no shape to drive home, this will give your host the ability to hold on to your keys and call a taxi for you. Not only that, but there are many towing companies that will give you and your car a ride home during the holidays if you're in no shape to drive yourself.
Give Yourself a Designated Stop Time
When you get busy enjoying yourself, the time can get away from you. Suddenly, you find it's time to head home and you're still drinking. That's why it's a good idea to give yourself a designated stop time. Set an alarm on your watch for a designated time. Once the alarm goes off, stop drinking and enjoy the rest of the evening without a drink. The alarm will help you remember to stop drinking before it's time to head home.
Don't let the holiday parties end in a DWI, or worse. Use the tips provided here to help you avoid being pulled over from driving under the influence, or causing an alcohol-related car accident. If you are pulled over for a DWI this season, be sure to contact a DWI attorney.
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