New Year’s Eve is a night of celebrations, resolutions, and usually a champagne toast. While it’s easy to get carried away with all the partying that happens on the 31st of December, now is a good time to start thinking about how you will get home safely.
It’s never a good idea to drink and drive, and especially on a night where there may be many folks who may not be using their best judgment, it’s best to keep friends and family safe by not getting behind the wheel after champagne and revelry.
Florida Highway Patrol Stepping Up Efforts
“Drive sober or get pulled over,” says the Florida Highway Patrol. During the holiday season, officers will be stepping up efforts to pull over impaired drivers throughout the state. This is to ensure safe holiday travel for everyone, but also to remind drivers that they are putting everyone at risk if they choose to consume any amount of alcohol and drive.
All uniformed FHP officers will be patrolling interstates and other major roads, and local law enforcement will likely be in full force with potential DUI checkpoints and roadblocks over the holidays.
Your First DUI
Getting a DUI can cause years of complication. Your first DUI can affect you personally, professionally, and legally. You may be subject to jail time and high financial penalties, and you may lose your license to drive a car.
Obviously, the consequences are higher if someone is injured or killed in an accident resulting from a drunk driver. This could result in a punishment of prison time.
It’s unsafe to risk even a few drinks and drive knowing the consequences of having a DUI on your record.
Avoid a DUI this Holiday Season
The best rule of thumb is to always choose a sober driver for New Year’s Eve, and all throughout the holiday season.
Download the apps for Uber and Lyft ridesharing services if you are not with someone who has not been drinking for the night.
Make sure you are obeying all traffic signs and speed limits, and that you and all of your passengers are safely buckled up.
Avoiding a DUI is easy, but dealing with the consequences if you are arrested for one is not. You will need a DUI defense attorney to help you navigate the legal consequences of your actions. Your attorney may be able to help you mitigate or lessen the charges depending on the details of your case.
References:
Florida Highway Patrol to step up DUI enforcement effort throughout holidays. (2017, December 13). Retrieved December 20, 2017, from https://www.villages-news.com/florida-highway-patrol-step-dui-enforcement-effort-throughout-holidays/
Spatz, R. (2016, July 14). 5 Things to Know For Your First DUI. Retrieved December 20, 2017, from /blog/2016/07/5-things-to-know-regarding-your-first-dui.shtml