Three Tips to Avoid a DUI This Summer
Summer is a time to live footloose and fancy-free. The days are longer, and the schedules are slower enabling a significant portion of the population to sit back, kick their feet up, and have a cold alcoholic beverage. If you add on to the relaxation the fun holiday parties that occur throughout the season and extended vacations, you have yourself the perfect setting to create lasting memories for years to come. No one wants this happy time of year tainted with the memory of a DUI. It is best practice to avoid a DUI whenever possible.
Tip #1: Know Your State Laws
Illinois harshly punishes those convicted of DUI. DUI is driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance. State law makes it illegal to drive while impaired by medication or a controlled substance, or:
- Have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more,
- A THC concentration of five nanograms or more per millimeter of whole blood, or
- Ten nanograms or more per milliliter of other bodily substance.
Tip #2: Avoid Drinking and Driving
If you know you will be driving, limit the amount you drink. Understand that everyone’s body handles alcohol differently, so to say two drinks is okay may not be true for everyone. If you do begin to feel impaired, other driving options include:
- Wait it out until the alcohol processes,
- Stay the night,
- Call a friend or family member,
- Hire a taxi or another driving service, or
- Utilize public transportation.
Tip #3: Obey The Laws of the Road
If you find yourself behind the wheel and those beverages begin to sink in a little harder than anticipated, the best course of action is to pull off quickly and safely. If you are not impaired but have had a drink or two, avoid being pulled over by obeying the rules of the road. Do not drive more than the speed limit, throw your phone in the back seat where you are not tempted to answer or look at it, and keep both hands on the wheel to stay between the lines. If you break other laws, an officer may pull you over for breaking that law and add on DUI because they may smell alcohol.
If You Face Charges Call an Attorney
If you face charges of DUI, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. A conviction is potentially financially devastating from the fines to a loss of licensure, insurance rate hikes and a negative blemish on a background check. Find out your defensive options by contacting a Bloomingdale, IL DUI defense attorney today. Stringini & Garvey, P.C. are available to help those in the Glendale Heights, Lombard, Maywood, Bloomingdale, and all surrounding Chicagoland area. Contact us today for your free initial consultation by calling 630-834-9595.
Sources:
https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501
