Preventing a DWI
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that comes with serious penalties. Even someone who has never been in trouble with the law can be sentenced to probation, fines, a driver’s license suspension, and even jail time. A DWI conviction can also lead to increased insurance premiums and trouble finding future employment.Preventing a DWI is important if you want to avoid these penalties and the embarrassment that comes along with a drunk-driving conviction. The simplest way to prevent a DWI is to refrain from drinking and driving.
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit across the United States is .08 percent. Determining your BAC level is very difficult, as factors such as age, weight, sex, and medication make it hard to successfully gauge your BAC. In fact, for some people, simply consuming three or four drinks at happy hour can put them over the legal limit.
If you are going out with a group of friends and know that you will drink, you should choose a designated driver beforehand. A designated driver is simply someone who doesn’t drink and is responsible for getting everyone home safely. People in your group should take turns acting as the designated driver.
If you drink when you go out and do not have a designated driver, find an alternative transportation method, such as a taxi or a bus. While cab fare may seem expensive, it is much cheaper (and safer) than a DWI. Never accept a ride from someone who has been drinking.
When playing host or hostess, it is a good idea to collect all of your guests’ keys before they begin drinking. You can then hand the keys back to drivers who have not been drinking. This action can not only save your friends’ lives, but also prevent you from being held liable for serving alcoholic beverages to an impaired person. If someone seems too intoxicated to driver, offer to call him or her a cab or ask a sober friend to drive him or her home.
Preventing a DWI is important—not only does it save lives, but it can help you avoid a serious criminal charge. By following the tips above, you can avoid the punishment that comes with a DWI conviction.
