For most of us, seeing the flashing lights on a police car behind us automatically puts us on high alert – whether or not we are doing something wrong.If you are stopped and suspected of DUI, fear can set in, especially if you have had a drink or two. It doesn’t take much to be over the legal limit and be considered legally intoxicated. The problem with drinking is that you never really know how much is too much until you get pulled over and tested – and by then it’s too late. Obviously, the best advice is to not drink at all if you intend to get behind the wheel. However, whether or not you’ve had a drink or two, being pulled over is a hassle. Here are ways to lower your risk of seeing these blue lights following you.
1 Don’t Drink and Drive
In previous decades you might have had an excuse to drive home after a drink or two rather than calling and waiting on a cab, if that was even possible where you live. Nowadays, however, there are so many options including Lyft and Uber, that there is no reason to hop behind the wheel even if you’ve only had just a drink or two. It is way less expensive to pay for a ride than bail money!
2 Do Not Text While Driving!
According to statistics, texting while driving makes it about 23 times more probable that you will get into a car crash, yet 43% of drivers admit that they text behind the wheel, with 19% saying that they surf the net while in transit! It is NEVER okay to text and drive, especially after you have had a drink. Put your phone on do not disturb so you can make it home safely to continue your conversation.
3 Be Aware of Driving Time and Traffic Laws
The reality is if you are driving after 3:00 am, you are going to be scrutinized more closely than if you head home from a party at 11:00 pm. If you do need to drive in the early morning hours,make sure that you always take the well-lit routes, not the back alleys or back roads. Drive slow and steady, following the rules, and don’t do things that someone who is doing something wrong would do!
Who amongst us can say that they always come to a complete stop at stoplights, even when no one is present? Or that they yield at a yield sign when it is obvious that there is no one around? According to the National Motorist Association, attention-seeking driving behaviors are the top reason that drivers get pulled over. So avoid these things officers look for and avoid getting pinched:
- Going over the speed limit
- Squealing your tires
- Having expired tags
- Tailgating someone too closely
- Not properly using your turn signal
Any time that you are on the road, especially at night, whether you have not been drinking or not following the rules of the road is imperative to keep everyone safe. If you have had a sip of alcohol, you must follow traffic letters to the law. That means stopping and counting one, one-thousand, two, one-thousand, three, one-thousand. Sure, it seems like overkill, but that is actually the law!
4 Don’t Do FST’s/ Don’t Blow
If you do find yourself pulled over under suspicion of DUI, there is no law that says you have to submit to a field sobriety test. They are only used to build a stronger case against you. For those of you who think you can pass, it is best to not try, especially if there is any doubt in your mind-it is not a pass-fail test! It is used to give the police officer clues about any impairment you might exhibit, so the word “test” is a misnomer. The same is true of the breathalyzer test. If you don’t take it, you will get a fine, but law enforcement won’t have evidence against you.
So to reiterate, do NOT drink and drive. Even if you think you can handle a couple of drinks, is it really worth it? Wedo not come with a built-in breathalyzer that you can see from the outside, and many of us have no idea when we’ve hit the legal limit. If you have had a few, stay put or call a ride. If you do get pulled over for any reason, follow these four tips to avoid getting in serious trouble.
If you are suspected of DUI, contact the Phipps Law Firm today. We can help!
(843) 300-4444
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