The holiday season is in full swing, and that means plenty of family get-togethers and holiday parties over the coming weeks. With everyone in such high spirits (and imbibing them), drunk driving accidents and Arizona DUI arrests are on the rise.
Don’t spend your Christmas or New Year’s Eve in handcuffs. Instead, play it safe and avoid DUIs altogether with these tips on how to drive safely and soberly from the Phoenix DUI lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group.
Tips to Avoid an Arizona DUI
Nobody wants to spend the night in the drunk tank. An Arizona DUI conviction can result in a revoked driver’s license, hefty fines and fees, mandatory drug counseling, and jail time. This is because Arizona is a zero tolerance state when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Arizona Department of Transportation reported 4,651 alcohol-related crashes in 2018, resulting in 261 deaths. Don’t become a statistic this holiday season. Drive safe and drive sober, or don’t drive at all.
You’ve heard it numerous times, but the easiest way to avoid a DUI is to not drink and drive, period. Call a cab, use ride-share services like Lyft or Uber, take public transportation, or find a place to stay for the night. Whatever you do, don’t put the keys in the ignition if you’ve been drinking.
Make Plans Before You Start Drinking
Prevention is key. Most people wouldn’t condone drunk driving when they’re sober. But because drinking affects your ability to think clearly, drunk drivers are often the victims of their own inability to reason when they choose to get behind the wheel. This is why you should always make plans for your evening before you start drinking.
Alcohol: How Much and For How Long
Some holiday parties are boozier than others. You’re more likely to drink with close friends than at a corporate Christmas party, for example. Before you leave for the night, ask yourself how much you’re going to be drinking and for how long. This will help you decide whether or not you want to take your own car, carpool with a designated driver, or find another form of transportation like a rideshare or public bus.
A Towing Charge Is Cheaper Than a DUI Charge
Some holiday celebrations might be more spontaneous or go on for longer than expected. If worst comes to worst and you find yourself still inebriated when it’s time to go home, arrange for alternate transportation or find a place to stay the night. If you’re concerned about your vehicle being towed, call a trusted friend or family member to drive it home for you. Remember, a towing charge is still cheaper than an Arizona DUI charge!
Bonus Tip: You can use this handy BAC calculator to get a rough estimate of how long it might take your body to metabolize the alcohol in your system. Keep in mind that this tool is only an estimate and should not be solely relied upon when gauging sobriety.
Don’t Drive Buzzed
You don’t have to be over Arizona’s legal BAC limit of 0.08 to get into legal trouble. Thanks to Arizona Revised Statute 28-1381, you can still be charged with a DUI even if you are driving while impaired “to the slightest degree”. This means that if you exhibit signs of impairment, are pulled over, and have only had one drink, you can still be charged with a DUI. Keep in mind that this statute applies to any substance or condition that may impair your ability to drive, including prescription medication and drowsy driving.
Watch Out for “Accidental” DUIs
Aside from alcoholic beverages, there are other common holiday treats infused with alcohol you might not realize can inadvertently increase your BAC.
Rum balls, bourbon balls, flambés, sherry sauce, and Whipahol (a whipped cream topping that hides 30-proof alcohol content in its sweetness) can all potentially spike your blood alcohol level. While this might not be a major concern in some states, Arizona DUI law is particularly strict.
Know Your Rights
If you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer after a holiday party, you should know your rights (whether or not you’ve been drinking). The Phoenix DUI lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group remind you that you are required to stop if pulled over by an officer. You are also legally required to give the police officer your name, driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
However, it should be noted that you have the right not to answer incriminating questions. If an officer suspects you are impaired, you will likely be asked to submit to several field sobriety tests.
You have the right to politely decline these tests, which are often inaccurate and can lead to a false positive for impairment. Refusing will likely result in an arrest, at which point you can request an attorney. You will then be subject to mandatory blood or urine testing, which is more accurate than traditional field sobriety tests and may aid in reducing or dropping the charges against you.
Phoenix DUI Lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group
The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety enlists the help of a special DUI task force for increased DUI enforcement over the holiday season. If you find yourself facing Arizona DUI charges, contact the Phoenix DUI lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group. We’ll do everything in our power to protect your rights.
If you are arrested for DUI in the Phoenix or Tucson area, call our DUI attorneys at 602-667-7777 to arrange a free consultation. You can also reach us via our LiveChat feature or by submitting a free case evaluation online 24/7.
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