While fall does not officially arrive until late September, you may be like many who consider Labor Day weekend the end of summer. If you have plans to say goodbye to summer with one last hurrah, there are some important things to keep in mind, especially if consuming alcoholic beverages is in your plan for Labor Day weekend.
For your own protection and the well-being of others, you will want to do all you can to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. A DUI arrest and conviction can cost you more than just a fine, including the risk of injuring yourself and others in an accident. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to reduce the chances of these negative consequences.
Plan ahead
Knowing your limits is always smart. However, many who relax with a few adult beverages do not realize when they have had enough. Law enforcement who pull you over under suspicion of drunk driving will measure your blood alcohol concentration. If you are above .08, they will likely arrest you. Some ways you can keep your BAC low include the following:
- Eat while you are drinking.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Pace yourself, consuming no more than one alcoholic drink an hour.
- Drink slowly instead of chugging.
- Be aware of the alcohol content of anything you consume.
- Use a personal breath tester.
Drinking games seldom end well, so it is wise to avoid getting caught up in them. You can easily lose track of how much you have consumed.
Know the consequences
The consequences of a DUI conviction in the Grand Forks area might include tens of thousands of dollars in fines and fees, jail time, license suspension, and significant hikes in your insurance rates. You may also face job loss, personal and professional embarrassment, and the complications of having a conviction on your record. Of course, there is always the possibility of the worst case scenario for drinking and driving: an accident that results in the injury or death of another traveler.
There is a very good chance that law enforcement will be out in full force, and you may even encounter a sobriety checkpoint over the holiday weekend. While avoiding alcohol altogether is the safest choice for anyone who will be driving, you can still enjoy the party if you plan ahead, educate yourself and use good judgment.
