You know how dangerous driving drunk is, and how challenging the penalties might be if you commit this offense. That’s why you should never drive drunk. It is against the law and incalculably hazardous. Still, simply saying that you won’t drive drunk isn’t enough. You must commit to it.

There are other transportation choices that you can make if you ever plan to drink when away from home. You’ll reduce your own liability as a driver and make the roadways safer for both yourself and for others.

The Effects of Driving Drunk

If you drive while intoxicated by alcohol or an illegal drug, then you are a huge safety risk. Your eyesight, reflexes, mental faculties and judgement are all diminished. Your chances of causing a wreck, damaging your car and harming others are extremely high.

Most states have outlawed driving drunk, and if the level of alcohol exceeds 0.08 (in most states) then you might be charged with a DUI. A DUI is a costly charge and the authorities take it very seriously. If you are charged with this offense, then you could face multiple challenges. These might include:

• License/registration expenses
• Points on your driver’s license
• Requirements to attend AA, safe driving courses and other classes.
• Having tracking and breathalyzer ignition devices installed on your vehicle SR-22 penalties

Of course, these charges could also lead to higher car insurance prices. After all, because you drove drunk, you are a huge risk to insure, and your carrier might have to charge you more. It is always better to not get a DUI in any case.

Avoiding DUI

It’s easy to tell yourself that you won’t drive drunk. However, once you start drinking, then so-called liquid courage might get the best of you. There are many other ways that you can take even more chances to help yourself avoid the risk.

• When drinking at a social event, do so in moderation. Everyone has a limit, and it’s up to you to police yourself so that you don’t drink regularly Don’t forget to eat and drink non-alcoholic beverages so that they can balance your system.
• If you are making plans to drink, also arrange for transportation. This might be a designated driver, taxi or car service. There are far too many alternatives available for you to choose to drive drunk instead.
• In worst-case scenarios, leave your vehicle. Restaurants and bars are usually happy to let you leave your car parked in their lot. This reduces their liability because they were the ones who served you the alcohol.
• If necessary, give your keys to a sober, trusted friend or even to a member of the bar staff. They can keep you from getting behind the wheel.

It is always better to not drive drunk. This is a hazard that is easily controllable if you commit to it. In the end, you’ll be glad that you didn’t make the choice to do such an unsafe thing.