Holiday parties usually involve alcohol. While it’s OK to imbibe, you want to make sure you do so responsibly. Drinking and driving can lead to a DWI or even worse, and it’s up to each driver to make sure the proper steps are taken to prevent that from happening. The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility offers the following tips in this case, which will keep you and others safe this holiday season.
The first step is to know the legal limit. In all 50 states, drivers with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08% are not permitted to operate a vehicle. Getting to this level is different for everyone. For instance, your height, weight, gender, and age all play a role in how quickly you reach the cutoff. You can keep track of the number of drinks you consumed, but even this can be misleading.
There are also physical signs of inebriation you can look for. Problems with coordination or slurred speech often occur after a person has consumed alcohol. Some people also become more aggressive, which can be a problem on its own. If you notice these signs in another person you should prevent them from driving, either by offering a ride home or a place to stay until they’re sober.
You can also make use of alternative methods of transportation. Ride shares are great this time of year, as they offer a convenient way of getting to and from celebrations that do not entail driving. You can also call a cab if you feel you’ve had too much to drink or designate a driver on big nights out. Public transportation is another option, which is extremely affordable as well as safe. No matter what you ultimately choose, avoiding drunk driving is a must during the holidays, as well as the rest of the year.