4 Tips for Preventing a Wisconsin OWI Charge During the Holidays

 Posted on November 27, 2019 in DUI/OWI

Thanksgiving is upon us, with Christmas following soon after. Holiday get-togethers are a time for family and friends to gather and spend time with one another. It is not uncommon for adults to drink alcohol during these festive gatherings, but drinking too much and getting behind the wheel can result in criminal charges for those who choose to do so. Holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas are notorious for having staggering statistics on DUI-related traffic accidents, many of which turn out to be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 800 people died in alcohol-related car crashes during Thanksgiving holidays between 2013 and 2017. If you plan on drinking this holiday season, here are a few things you can do to prevent a serious and costly Wisconsin OWI charge:

1. Be smart about how you drink. If you plan on driving home after a holiday party, and you also plan on having a drink or two while you are there, you need to be responsible about your drinking habits. Always make sure you eat a decent meal before you start drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach not only enhances the effects of alcohol, but it also makes your body absorb the alcohol faster, meaning your BAC will be higher in less time than usual. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water and stop drinking at least one hour before you plan to leave.

2. Always have a designated driver. The easiest way you can avoid drinking and driving is to appoint someone as the designated driver. This person will not drink to ensure everyone gets home safely. Make sure you discuss your designated driver plans before you start drinking.

3. Use public transportation. Another way to avoid an OWI is to take public transportation rather than driving yourself home. Plenty of cities have buses, taxis, and subways that run nearly around the clock, making it easy to plan your trip home before you even leave.

4. Order an Uber. In today’s world, technology makes it easier than ever to get home without drinking and driving. We now have the ability to order a ride home using apps such as Uber and Lyft from mobile phones almost instantly. Before you get into a ride-sharing vehicle, make sure you confirm the license plate number and designate a safe spot for pick-up.

Contact a Walworth County Drunk Driving Defense Attorney 

It is beginning to look a lot like the holiday season, but your festivities could take a turn for the worse if you are charged with drunk driving. A first-offense OWI in Wisconsin carries extensive fines and the possibility of a driver’s license revocation. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, we know how an OWI conviction can affect your personal and professional life, and we can help you understand the best course of action to fight these criminal charges. Call our skilled Waukesha County OWI defense lawyers today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/ways-get-home-safely

https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-advises-motorists-drive-sober-thanksgiving

https://afmc.org/afmc-healthspot/12-tips-prevent-drunk-driving/