Holidays Not So Happy With a DUI

Out and about getting all of your holiday shopping done, lists checked, stocking stuffers ready, and you decide to stop and have a few drinks. Next thing you know, you are pulled over and given a sobriety test. Your holiday gift from the law. Handcuffed and taken downtown.

The scenario above is a very popular one during the holiday season. The stress of the holidays makes us want to unwind. Unfortunately, this seemingly innocent act is cause for a DUI charge.

The Holiday season is a busy time for the Akron Police Department. You will see more and more patrol cars sitting off the highway, or even on side roads. You may even run into an Akron DUI checkpoint.

Tips on How to Avoid a DUI in Ohio.

1. Know the law. In Ohio, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If you are under 21 years of age, the legal limit is 0.02%. If you are driving a commercial vehicle, the limit is 0.04%.

2. A DUI lifesaver that is not used nearly enough is a Taxi Cab. Keep in mind that many Taxi Services offer free rides around the holidays. We also have Uber and Lyft that we can rely on to get us home safely, but preparation is key, especially around the holidays when their services are more popular.

3. Designate a sober driver before going out. Whether it's a friend or family member, make sure someone will be able to get you home safely if you've been drinking.

4. Drink responsibly. If you do choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation and always with food. Avoid hard liquor and drink plenty of water in between alcoholic beverages.

When it comes to measuring blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the BAC for a given individual depends on a number of factors, including weight and gender.

For example, a person who weighs 150 pounds will typically reach a BAC of around 0.02% after consuming just two beers in an hour. By comparison, someone who weighs 250 pounds would likely only reach a BAC of around 0.015% after the same amount of alcohol.

Additionally, it's important to note that different types of drinks will have different effects on your BAC level. For example, carbonated drinks tend to raise your BAC more quickly than non-carbonated beverages like wine or beer. Overall, the best way to understand your personal blood alcohol concentration levels is to consult an official chart based on your specific weight and other relevant details. As with any time you have been drinking, however, it's best not to drive until you are fully sober again.

5. Be prepared for a roadside sobriety test. If you are pulled over by an officer who suspects you of DUI, they will likely ask you to perform a series of sobriety tests. These may include walking in a straight line or standing on one leg. If you fail these tests, you will likely be arrested for DUI.

If you follow these tips, you can help avoid a DUI arrest in Ohio. Remember that it is always best to designate a sober driver if you plan on drinking alcohol. And if you are pulled over by an officer, be polite and cooperative—but remember that you have the right to remain silent and should never perform any field sobriety tests without an attorney present.

If you or someone close to you is arrested for a DUI/OVI in Akron, or other cities in Summit, Portage, or Cuyahoga counties, contact Akron DUI attorney Linda M. Malek for a free consultation.

Be safe, and have a great holiday season.