Halloween is on a Friday this year, which creates plenty of opportunities for late-night parties. It can be easy for people to overdo it on fun-size candy bars, but Halloween can get even scarier when the night ends with an arrest for DUI. In the midst of the fun and festivities, it is important to remember to stay safe and exercise good judgment when it comes to driving. Not only will you be doing yourself a favor by avoiding penalties like fines, jail time, and a driver’s license suspension, but you will be doing your part to ensure the safety of others as well.
Consider these five tips when making plans for Halloween celebrations:
- Keep an eye on your drinking. The most common type of DUI is alcohol-related. Remember that even if you do not feel drunk, you can be cited for DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit of .08. If you are planning to drive home from a Halloween party, be sure to moderate your drinking, or choose not to drink at all.
- Stay away from drugs. Another type of DUI is driving under the influence of drugs. Even prescription drugs prescribed to you by your doctor can impair your ability to operate a vehicle, so avoid any drugs or medicines if you plan to drive.
- Don’t wear a mask while driving. Wearing a mask that obscures your vision while driving is practically an invitation for an officer to pull you over and perform a sobriety check. Don’t give an officer a good reason to pull you over: remove any masks or headwear that could be distracting before you start your vehicle.
- Find a ride home. The best way to avoid a Halloween DUI is simply not to drive at all. If you plan to drink, consider finding an alternate ride home, like a rideshare service, taxi, public transit, or walking. Alternatively, consider staying the night with a friend or family member.
- Avoid a “morning after” DUI. Many people are surprised to learn that just because they slept through the night does not necessarily mean that they will be completely sober in the morning. Depending on the number of drinks consumed, a person’s blood alcohol concentration may still be over the legal limits. It is important to allow enough time for alcohol to exit the system before getting behind the wheel. Officers will be on the lookout for potentially intoxicated drivers on November 1st, so if possible, find a ride home in the morning.
While these tips are not license to overindulge in drugs or alcohol, they certainly can help you avoid an arrest for drunk driving.
A DUI arrest has the power not just to ruin your evening, but a conviction can take a toll on your future, too. We hope that you don’t risk a DUI, but if you do find yourself in a spooky legal situation, please contact the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc. to speak with an Orange County DUI defense attorney. Call us toll-free at (877) DUI-QUEEN (877-384-7833).
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
