Over the past few weeks we have done a series of posts about dealing with a DUI. In this post we will go over 5 golden tips that you can use to help you avoid a DUI in the first place!
1. Our first tip is simply the most obvious of all. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive! The risk is simply not worth the potential consequences. The two things just don’t mix. Make a friend drive, designate a driver, call a friend, or call a cab. Maybe you weren’t planning on drinking or an impromptu celebration began? It doesn’t matter. Call a friend or call a cab. Leave your car parked! The cost and inconvenience of calling a cab and going back to get your car is far less severe than that of being arrested, paying legal fees & fines, and dealing with license restrictions.
2. If you must drive after drinking, limit your consumption to one glass of wine OR one mixed drink OR 1-2 beers. In addition allow for at least two hours before driving. During that two hour period, drink as much water as possible. Our bodies are all different and everyone processes alcohol differently. Some people are wobbly or tipsy after 1-2 beers, which most commonly results in a BAC of .05, under Florida’s legal limit. In other cases, people have registered a BAC of over .30 (potentially fatal) and are able to stand and walk normally. The safest guideline to follow is one glass of wine or 1 cocktail or 1-2 beers and plus waiting 2 hours to drive (and don’t forget about drinking plenty of water). Hard liquor, such as mixed drinks, cocktails, or straight “shots”, are typically processed slower in the body. The risk of having a BAC above the legal Florida state limit is greater, even after 1-2 hours. With hard liquor, you must also consider that despite the type of drink you order, the bartender could go heavy on the liquor and turn what you think is a “single” into a “double”. This can lead to intoxication much more quickly and makes it harder to track your alcoholic intake
3. Keep a few bottles of water on reserve in your vehicle. Even warm water in Florida heat can help keep you out of a bind. If you’ve consumed any alcohol, drinking the water you keep in the car will help your body to hydrate and process the alcohol more quickly.
4. Have something to eat before you drive. Eating is always a good way to speed up the body’s function of processing the alcohol. When people drink on an empty stomach, they often feel the effects of alcohol sooner. Eating food produces a similar but opposite effect. Many people are also unaware that vitamins can also aid the process. Gummy vitamins are easily absorbed and can be carried conveniently. Take a few extra vitamins before you must drive.
5. If you’ve taken the steps listed above and waited an appropriate amount of time, but still find yourself pulled over by police…remain calm. Do not seem “put out” by the situation. Lower yours windows before the officer approaches. Don’t be afraid to politely greet the officer as he/she approaches. Being cooperative and friendly can only help you.
Do not shuffle around in the glove compartment looking for credentials. Think about where your license and registration are, but wait to retrieve them until you are told to do so. Fumbling nervously in your glove compartment can only make the officer nervous and arouse further suspicion. Do not attempt to leave your car. Getting out of the car may be viewed as erratic behavior. Comply with the officer’s requests and remain polite.
DUI Defense Attorneys
Remember, the easiest way to avoid a DUI is to make the choice not to drive after drinking. However, if you’re arrested and charged with DUI in Florida, Finebloom and Haenel can help. We’re the experience DUI Defense attorneys and we’ll build a defense to help you. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, contact Finebloom and Haenel today. 1-800-FIGHT-IT
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