Even though most people understand the negative consequences of driving while impaired, millions of Americans still do it every year. As a matter of fact, it was estimated that over 300,000 drinking and driving incidents happen every single day, according to the CDC.
The risks of driving impaired are well known, yet still the average drunk driver only gets caught after the 80th time. If you don’t want to have a crippling conviction on your record, or get involved in a serious and possibly fatal accident, it’s important that you change your habits today and learn how to avoid this situation. Here are a few tips for avoiding a DUI while traveling.
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Know the Limit
First, it’s important for you to understand the limits, and know what this limit represents. In most states, the legal alcohol limit for people over the age of 21 not driving a commercial vehicle is 0.08%. The limit will usually be significantly lower for people under 21. In states like Georgia for instance, it only takes 0.02% for someone under the age of 21 to be convicted of a DUI.
But what is 0.08% actually? Know that, as a rule, each standard drink will increase your blood alcohol level by around 0.02%. A standard drink is one containing around 14g of pure alcohol. This is the amount found in:
- 5 oz of wine (12%)
- A 12 oz beer (5%)
- 8 to 9 oz of malt liquor (7%)
- 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40%)
This means that it will take around 4 of any of these to reach your limit. However, know that your weight and height will play a role in how high your blood alcohol level will be. But that’s not an excuse to drink excessively, as you may not be able to keep track of your consumption.
Get a Keychain Paralyzer
There is really no reason to drive drunk with all the tools we have today. While disposable breathalyzers used to not be the most accurate, you have portable breathalyzers today that are just as accurate as those used by police departments.
Tools like BACtrack allow you to monitor your alcohol consumption and have a variety of compact breathalyzers that you can take anywhere with you. They even have a wearable wrist monitor that will detect your blood alcohol level as you go, and alert you.
Get in Touch with a Lawyer
If you do get arrested for a DUI, however, it’s important that you contact a DUI lawyer who can help you. They will be able to tell you if your rights have been violated, and if your case is even valid. They’ll also be able to make sure that you get a fair sentencing if there’s a judgement. This could be the difference between actual jail time, or community service, for instance.
So, if you want to avoid getting a DUI on your record, we strongly suggest you follow our suggestions. A DUI charge could destroy your professional and personal life, and could end in tragedy, so don’t take it lightly.
