This festive time of year, it’s fun to have a glass of champagne to toast the New Year or to drink a glass of eggnog or punch with neighbors or at the office holiday party. That’s perfectly fine—and even fun! What isn’t fine, however, is drinking and driving after a holiday party. It’s dangerous and far too common this time of year.
According to a study done at the Center for Advanced Public Safety, people are at the highest risk for crashes during the holiday season, especially the six days around Christmas day when many holiday parties for offices and friends are held. It’s no surprise then that the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that 40 percent of all traffic deaths during the holiday season involve alcohol.
Buzzed Driving Is Impaired Driving
While we all think we know our limits, far too many people underestimate the effects of even a couple of alcoholic drinks. Even after a single drink or after waiting over an hour between drinking and driving, some people can still have a BAC over the legal limit. People imbibing more than this are even more likely to be dangerously over the limit. In fact, 73 percent of adults say they have been to an event where they’ve seen someone try to drive home after drinking too much.
The fact is, drinking any amount of alcohol and driving can be dangerous. After all, buzzed driving is still impaired driving, even if you think you are fine. That’s why you should always have a designated driver when you go to any event where you plan to drink this holiday season—even if your designated driver is Uber or a taxi. It’s simply not worth the risk of a crash to drink and drive. With police on high alert for drunk drivers during the next few weeks, the risks involved with drinking and driving are even higher. You can be arrested for a DUI even if you are just barely over the limit, which is much easier to reach than most people think.
When to Contact a Cincinnati DUI Lawyer
This holiday season, make sure to keep yourself and those you love safe by never drinking and driving. Always have a designated driver for every holiday party you attend this year. Sometimes, however, even sober drivers are pulled over for an OVI during these holiday checks. If you are pulled over or arrested for drunk driving, you need experienced legal counsel to help you fight the charges—even if you believe you are innocent.
If you are arrested for drinking and driving—or any other alcohol-related charges— this holiday season, call experienced Cincinnati DUI lawyer Brad Groene right away at (513) 338-1890 for a free consultation on your case. Our team is available 24/7, even during the holidays, so you will never be stranded without legal help.
