Nobody outside of a jail cell plans to spend Thanksgiving behind bars. Each year, though, police arrest thousands of people across the country – particularly drivers – for offenses they commit over the holidays.
In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest holidays of the year. This is largely due to the number of people on the roads and an increase in alcohol consumption.
At Leader & Leader P.A., we understand that honest people make mistakes. If Florida police arrest you for DUI, then a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney from our firm may be able to help. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our office today at 954-523-2020.
In the meantime, read on to learn four tips to avoid a DUI this Thanksgiving:
- Be Alert to an Increase in DUI Checkpoints
Like many other holidays, there is an increase in the number of DUI checkpoints over the Thanksgiving weekend. Although it is best never to drink and driver, you should be particularly vigilant to remain sober if you plan to drive over the holidays.
- Buy a Breathalyzer
A home breathalyzer kit can give you a rough idea of your sobriety level. Although many of these kits are reliable, you should not expect yours to produce a perfectly accurate reading. Do not simply wait for your BAC to go below 0.08 percent; rather, wait for it to reach 0.0 before you get behind the wheel.
- Do Not Drive
The simplest way to avoid a DUI is not to drive. Instead, ask a friend who does not drink to be a designated driver for the evening, or call a local taxi company for transport. Here are a few taxi companies in Fort Lauderdale:
- Yellow Cab Broward: 954-777-7777
- Fort Lauderdale Shuttle Vans: 954-430-2221
- Fort Lauderdale Elite Shuttle 877-786-9546
You can also choose to spend the night at a friend’s house, or rent a cheap hotel room to sleep it off.
- Avoid Medication That Causes Drowsiness
If you take a prescription medication – particularly sedatives or sleeping tablets – then you should not drive until the effects have dissipated. Otherwise, you may face DUI charges. If you must take your medication before leaving the house to attend a Thanksgiving celebration, avoid driving and call a cab or a friend instead.
Thanksgiving Day is a time to celebrate with friends and family, but a DUI charge can quickly dampen the festivities. A conviction can come with life-changing consequences including a steep fine, time behind bars, a loss of driving privileges and other penalties.
If Florida police have charged you with DUI, then a Fort Lauderdale DUI defense attorney from Leader & Leader P.A. may be able to assist. We can evaluate your charges and aggressively fight for a positive outcome to your case. Call us today at 954-523-2020 to schedule a consultation.
