A guide to avoiding a DUI during the holiday season

The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate with friends and family. Whether hosting or visiting a party, you may enjoy some spiked eggnog or your favorite wine. It is normal to consume alcohol while having fun during social events.

However, the last thing you want during the holiday season is to end up in handcuffs or cause an injury to another person. Drunk driving becomes a very serious issue around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and no one wants to spend the holidays behind bars for a DUI. Pay attention to these guidelines so you do not get a DUI arrest after your holiday celebrations:

Drink responsibly

Of course, the best DUI prevention is deciding to not drink and drive. It is possible to enjoy the holidays without the consequences of a DUI charge.

Find another way home

You do not need to drive yourself home after the party. While it may be inconvenient for you to retrieve your car in the morning, it is better than waking up in a jail cell. Calling a taxi, requesting an Uber, taking the bus or finding a designated driver are all potential options.

Eat plenty of food

There is usually an abundance of food at holiday gatherings. Take advantage of this. Consume some food before, during and after you drink to slow the absorption of alcohol into your blood system. This may help you avoid a spike in intoxication and potentially keep you under the BAC limit.

Remember DUI penalties

One of the best deterrents to drinking and driving is thinking about the consequences. If the police catch you driving while drunk, you may face fines, license suspension and jail time. Subsequent offenses come with higher fines, license revocation and lengthier sentences. The repercussions are harsher if you cause injury or death to another person.

Keep the roads safe this holiday season by refusing to drink and drive.