Getting behind the wheel after a few drinks might sound okay to some people, which is why studies show that 29 people die every day in the United States in vehicle accidents involving an impaired driver. While this happens every day, it’s not too late to change things for the better. If you find yourself constantly racking up those DUI’s, it might just be time to kick that habit–which isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
Drunk driving is the act of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. While driving with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) at or higher than 0.08% is considered illegal in the United States, studies and research have shown that the effects of alcohol begin to take place after the very first drink – meaning that even a BAC under the limit can still impair your driving – and get you arrested. It’s also worth mentioning that many things can affect how quickly you reach a BAC of 0.08%, such as your height, weight, and alcohol intake.
The sad truth
Despite the commercials, education in schools, and mantras everywhere such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over“, many people still make the choice to get in the car after having a few drinks too many. Sadly, most people make this ill-fated decision due to reasons such as doing it in the past with no consequences or thinking they couldn’t possibly have consumed that much. Younger drivers may be influenced by their friends or may drive impaired for fear of getting home too late and getting into trouble by their parents.
Making the change to rid yourself of the dangerous drinking and driving habit can have a positive impact on your life–as it’s a change for the better. Getting out of the dangerous habit and taking responsibility for your actions can not only help you to avoid future DUI’s and accidents but can also help make the world a better place. If you have a family, kicking the habit can also strengthen your relationships with your loved ones and reduce arguing and fighting. With many reasons to quit, actually quitting the habit can be just as simple.
Starting Over
If you have a drinking and driving habit, know that it is absolutely okay to call a friend, parent, or neighbor for a ride. And, if you still live at home, your parents won’t be mad at you for calling; in fact, they’d probably heave a sigh of relief that you did instead of getting behind the wheel. You might think it’s embarrassing or shameful to have to call up someone while drunk, but chances are nobody will remember in the long run. Not to mention that one “embarrassing” phone call is far better than a lifetime of guilt.
If you have a drinking and driving problem, one of the best ways to kick the habit is to hand over your keys to a trusted individual before you even start drinking. While it’s common practice for bartenders to snatch the keys when a customer has had too much, you might not just be lucky enough to be at a bar. Having someone you trust to hold your keys can assure that you won’t be doing any driving that night.
If you prefer to drink with friends, making a responsible individual in the group the designated driver can be a great way of getting out of the habit of getting behind the wheel while impaired. The designated driver can help assure that you’ll get home safely–all without ever having to think about getting behind the wheel.
Drunk driving is a national epidemic that tragically takes many innocent lives every year. However, it can be prevented by those who are at the root of the problem themselves. With simple techniques, it’s possible for anyone to stay out of the driver’s seat while impaired.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, contact Jon Artz today for a no-obligation consultation.