Welcome to installment one of our Sustainability series on Health Matters.
Woohoo! The holiday season is upon us once more. Regardless of how you celebrate the year-end holidays, if you partake of any substances that may alter your cognition or reflexes, you may be at risk of a DUI.
Having a solid plan (plus one or more backup plans) in place can make the difference between memorable holiday fun and devastating legal woes.
Who’s the DD?
If you have a family member or friend who doesn’t drink or take any other mind-altering substances and is willing to serve as the designated driver for a social event, Congratulations!
But there are countless stories of the DD who was simply the “soberest” member of the group as they hit the road for home, ending in accidents or arrests.
So, if your DD isn’t 100% trustworthy, have a backup plan like one of these:
Uber or Lyft
BEFORE you are less-than-sober at a party and realize you need a ride, make sure you have signed up for one or more ride share accounts and know how to use the app. Give it a try once or twice so you know what to expect. Double check that these services are available in the area where you will be.
Safe Ride
Especially on busy holidays, there are a number of safe ride services that can be called to offer transportation. Sometimes they are for specific groups of people like veterans, but often they will provide assistance to anyone who calls. See if one of these will be available for the day and region of your event, then enter the number into your contacts for easy access.
Taxi or Public Transit
If you’re lucky enough to have convenient public transportation available to get you where you need to go, make sure you travel with others if you’re less than sober. People under the influence of medications, drugs, or alcohol cannot always make wise decisions and may be easy targets for crime. Be sure to have transit cards, credit cards, or cab fare available that doesn’t get spent before you’re safely home.
Understand Medication and Substance Interactions
Feeling under the weather but don’t want to miss the party? If you take a symptom relief medication that includes an antihistamine and add alcohol to the mix, you run the risk of enhanced central nervous system depression. So, if you typically can handle a single drink without intoxication, that may change if you’re taking certain meds. Best to have a zero tolerance program for yourself and if you drink, do not drive.
Call Your Mom or Dad
Sounds silly, right? But you may be surprised how many parents would travel great distances in the middle of the night to ensure that even their adult children are safe. The same goes for friends or other family members. Out of money to pay for a ride? Heck, call the police and ask if there are any free resources in the area.
Know the Myths
Want to know how to sober up fast?
Just kidding. It takes time. Coffee may add caffeine that makes you feel more alert mentally, but your physical reflexes will lag behind. Eating food won’t do it either. You may feel better, but neurologically you’re not up to par. And the people who make themselves vomit? Yeah, we’re not even going there.
There are general time tables for sobriety, but the truth is that each person’s body will metabolize alcohol and other substances in its own way. You can’t rush it. Don’t risk it. Get a sober ride.
The Sobering Reality of a DUI
Decided to chance it and drive home after a few drinks? You may think you’re driving well, but law enforcement can spot even the smallest details of altered driving. If you’re “lucky” you’ll just get pulled over and cited. The less lucky cause devastating accidents, including multiple fatalities each year.
Think cab fare is simply too high a price to pay? Check out the cost of gambling…
DUI Citation
Depending on where you are cited, first offenses often come with a $400-$1000 fine.
Vehicle Towing/Impoundment
Some states will impound your vehicle for a first offense, up to 30 days. You get to foot that bill in addition to the towing expenses.
Court Appearance
That attorney is going to cost you thousands of dollars, even for a first offense.
Jail Time
This probably wasn’t at the forefront of your mind when you fired up the ignition after the New Year’s toast. If you kill someone while you’re operating a vehicle under the influence, jail could be replaced with prison.
Loss of Driving Privileges
Thought a single ride fare was going to cost too much? How about six months or a year’s worth of them when your license is taken away.
Termination from Work
If your employment depends on your license or a safe driving record, you may be kissing your income goodbye as well. If you have a felony DUI, then you get to report that felony conviction on your subsequent job applications as well.
Cost of Reinstatement
Depending on the state where the offense occurred, you may need to take costly courses and jump additional hurdles to reinstate your license and driving privileges. None of these come at less than the cab fare home would have been.
The Bottom Line
Don’t drink (or whatever else you may do) and drive. Just don’t.
Have a plan, a backup plan, and an emergency plan.
Oh, and refuse to get into a car where the driver isn’t sober. It’s okay if they feel judged or get angry. It’s your life on the line.
Health Matters
From wellness-building activities to illness prevention topics, our new Health Matters series will offer information, ideas, and plans for making the most of your health.
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