DUIs are serious offenses that can have life-changing repercussions for drivers and road users. Driving while intoxicated (DUI) is a risky error that could have negative consequences. You could get pulled over and jailed even if you escape a collision. Your driving privileges may also be suspended. DUI-related costs might be very high. These could include penalties, court fees, and higher motor insurance premiums.
The CDC report revealed that, in the US, nearly 10,000 people die in car accidents involving drunk drivers each year. Therefore, taking specific preventative steps to avoid DUI and safeguard your safety and other road users’ security is crucial. Listed below are some essential DUI driving safety tips.
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Tips to Follow for Safe Driving
Driving after intoxication raises the likelihood of an accident, makes driving riskier for other drivers even when there isn’t an accident, and increases the possibility of fatalities among pedestrians.
According to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation USA, Inc.’s (TIRF) USA Road Safety Monitor 2021 poll, roughly 65% of American drivers have concerns about the risks associated with drunk driving. Therefore, you must follow the advice mentioned below for safety measures.
Think Ahead
If you plan to drink, be sure you have a reliable route to get home. This could be a cab, a ride-sharing service, public transportation, or a designated driver. If you want to consume alcohol at a party or bar, you can also decide to spend the night at a friend’s house or a hotel.
Know Your Limit
Alcohol tolerance varies by factors like metabolism, body weight, and gender. A single drink can hinder decision-making. All states have a 0.08% BAC limit for driving, with lower restrictions for under 21 or commercial drivers. It’s advisable to abstain or limit alcohol consumption to one drink per hour, stopping at least two hours before driving.
Take A Breathalyzer Test
You may discover your blood alcohol level (BAC) with a breathalyzer. Check your blood alcohol content (BAC) at home or in a bar or restaurant. Despite their high reliability, breathalyzers sometimes overlook other drugs that could impair your driving ability. Therefore, you shouldn’t solely rely on a breathalyzer to determine if you can drive safely.
Know Additional Impairment Sources
Other substances besides alcohol can make you unable to drive. Cough syrups, antihistamines, and opioids are some medications that, when combined with other drugs, may cause drowsiness, impaired vision, and coordination problems.
Illegal substances, including cocaine, cannabis, and methamphetamine, can affect your perception, decision-making, and reaction time. Even weariness, stress, and emotions might make you unable to drive. Therefore, check to see that you are not under the influence of any medication or other health issues before you hit the road.
Educate Yourself and the People Around You
Making appropriate decisions and knowing the risks and repercussions can help you avoid becoming a DUI offender. A driver education course, a DUI prevention program, online reading materials, or participation in a local campaign against drunk driving are ways to educate yourself and others about DUI.
By stepping in when you notice someone ready to drive while intoxicated, you can also reduce DUI. You can give them a ride, call a taxi, or convince them to remain there until they are sober.
The Bottom Line
We must keep the roads safe and abstain from drunk driving to protect ourselves and other people’s safety. We can all help to make our roads safer by heeding these crucial suggestions and averting the disastrous effects of DUI accidents. Remember that driving responsibly and with awareness can prevent needless tragedies and save lives.
