Staying Safe & Avoiding a DUI Through the Holidays

‘Tis the season to be jolly. There are holiday parties galore and enough spirits available to drown out even the most talkative co-workers. Even the aunt you only see once a year isn’t quite as annoying after that second cup of eggnog.

Indulging in a few drinks at the office holiday party is often the only get together employees have all year, but the prospect of driving home buzzed is always on our minds these days. There is no surer way to ruin the season than an OVI / DUI charge, especially with the ramifications that accompany it.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid a DUI. Here are a few helpful tips and important facts to keep all that jolly from turning folly:

Don’t Drive

Call a cab to get you to and from your party destination. If you drive to the party, you will be more inclined to drive back. No one likes to leave his/her vehicle unattended overnight, and in a drunken state it’s hard to be mindful of why it’s better to leave your car than risk driving. It’s a good idea to write down the names of local cab companies or add them to your phone’s contacts to keep them handy when you’re ready to go.

Local cab companies, all open 24 hours:

• Blue Cab (614-236-4444)
• Yellow Cab (614-444-4444)
• German Village Taxi (614-221-2222)

There are also a few designated driving services that provide transportation for you and your car. These services cost a little more than a taxi, but the drivers will wait for you for up to three hours and even deliver your car home with you.

The price of a taxi is far less than the thousands of dollars a DUI can cost. If a taxi ride is still more than can fit comfortably in your budget, ask a friend to be a designated driver.

Know Your Limits

If three beers has you singing Sweet Caroline on the bar, it’s a good idea to keep that in mind when making decisions. Be aware of your drinking limits and drink responsibly. Pace yourself and drink water between each alcoholic beverage to keep from exceeding that .08 legally impaired limit.

Educate Yourself

Being misinformed or unaware of Ohio OVI / DUI laws can put you behind bars or stain your record just as fast as .09 blood alcohol level. Many people believe they will be fine sleeping off a few drinks in a parked car. However, if you’re over the legal limit, have the keys in the ignition, and are behind the wheel, you’re still subject for a DUI arrest.

Another often misinterpreted law concerns the vehicle you’re driving. It is commonly thought that DUIs occur when you’re behind the wheel of a car, but you can be charged with a OVI / DUI driving a lawn mower, bicycle, or even a boat.

Avoiding an OVI / DUI this holiday season is easy. Drink responsibly, have a plan to get home, and be aware of your responsibilities on the road to have a holly-jolly Christmas this year. If you are in need of legal assistance, contact the Columbus criminal defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates today.