STANDING UP FOR YOU WITH SKILLED ADVOCACY

You’re drunk. You’re not going to drive. How do you get home?

When it comes to avoiding drunk driving, half the battle is having a plan. Alcohol impairs your judgment, which can make it harder to come up with a plan. And if your Plan A doesn’t work out, it can be difficult to come up with a Plan B.

That’s why it’s important to have a solid plan and a backup plan in place before you start drinking. But not all plans are created equal. Some can put you at risk for injuries or even arrest.

Plan 1: Designate a sober driver.

If you can get one of your friends to wholeheartedly agree to be the driver and not drink, that’s a good beginning. Make sure there are enough seats and seatbelts for everyone and be prepared with a backup plan if your sober driver breaks the rules. This may require leaving the car behind for the night, but you can pick it up tomorrow, after you’re sober.

Plan 2: Call a ride-share or a taxi.

This is another solid plan, assuming that cars are available. When using a hired vehicle, confirm that the person picking you up is the person you arranged. Find a safe place for the pickup, such as a location where you can wait inside until your ride arrives. If that isn’t possible, wait away from the road in a well-lit area with a safe place to stop. If hailing a taxi, stay out of the street. Once you’re in the vehicle, buckle up even if it’s a quick ride.

Plan 3: Take public transportation.

If public transportation is available, great! You may need to walk for a while to reach a pickup point. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are alone. Stay out of the street. Choose a seat near the driver and don’t go to sleep.

Be wary about walking home.

Of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2017, approximately 32% involved a pedestrian who was drunk. Walking home while drunk or high may not be a safe choice. If you have no other option than to walk, stay on the sidewalk and obey all traffic signs and signals. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk so that you’re facing traffic and stay as far away from vehicles as possible. Try to be visible.

Don’t ride a bike or scooter home.

Drinking can affect your balance and reaction time. In 2017, around 26% of cyclists who were killed had been drinking. A scooter is even more problematic because it is considered a motor vehicle, so you could be arrested for DUI if you ride one drunk.

If you are arrested for DUI or another alcohol-related offense, don’t panic. Call an experienced lawyer to defend you.

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