Avoiding a Thanksgiving DUI
Thanksgiving brings families together for celebrations that involve intense eating of food and drink. It is what makes the holiday so beloved for so many. As the holiday approaches, celebrants who are driving to a party should be cautious not to imbibe too much alcohol with their meals, as it can be dangerous for everyone on the road.
Police often set up sobriety checkpoints over holidays when drinking is typically involved in the celebration. The Tennessee Highway Patrol already has a sobriety checkpoint set up in Sevier County on Thanksgiving Day, and it would not be out of the ordinary for them to schedule more.
Sobriety safety tips
Regardless of the highway patrol schedule, drivers can keep themselves and others safe on the road by regulating their own drinking. Here are a few tips for enjoying an alcoholic beverage this season:
- Drink on and off. It can make a big difference to have a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks. If you are thinking about a second or third drink, make sure to grab some water.
- Be aware of your pace. If you consume alcohol quickly, it will impair you. Stretch out the drinks, with water in between, over several hours.
- Practice caution with carbonation. A carbonated beverage will speed up the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol, impairing you more quickly. If you are driving, consider sticking to non-carbonated mixers and drinks.
- Snack away. The holiday is all about eating, so embrace it as much as possible. The alcohol is less likely to affect your body if you are eating. Consider waiting to have your first drink until you’ve recently eaten.
- Plan a sober ride. If you plan to have a few drinks, decide before you go to the party to have someone else drive you home, rather than take your chances behind the wheel.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under the legal limit can still impair drivers, so be aware of how you feel and don’t get behind the wheel if there is even a question that alcohol may influence your driving ability.
If you do get pulled over, be cooperative but also aware of your rights. A knowledgeable defense attorney can help you resolve the matter in your best interests.