DUI Prevention Guide in Jefferson, Ohio

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we hold firm to the belief that every citizen deserves their basic civil rights. Through our work, we make sure that each of our clients can either keep those rights or fight to defend them. With that said, we never condone drunk driving. But we also understand that not every charge is fair, and if you or someone you love has been charged with DUI, there may be a real chance to have those charges dismissed. Our team is committed to helping you secure the justice you’re entitled to.

Below, you’ll find a DUI prevention guide put together by our experienced legal team. Have a read through it. And if you’ve been charged in a DUI case, you can reach out to a trusted Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney right away.

Understanding Drunk Driving

Roughly one third of all traffic accidents are caused by drunk driving. Figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that around 10,000 people lose their lives each year because of it. To put that into perspective, a single drunk driving crash results in a death every 53 minutes. On top of that, DUI cases rack up $199 billion in costs every year—expenses that are completely avoidable.

Close to one third of drunk-driving cases that end in fatality, injury, or property damage are tied to repeat offenders. Between 50% and 75% of these repeat offenders continue to drive despite already having a suspended license. If you’re facing this situation, an experienced Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer can help you understand your options.

Still, according to a report from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, DUI incidents have dropped since 1980. Even so, countless cases still occur every year. That’s exactly why this guide is worth your time.

Protecting Yourself

Getting behind the wheel while impaired doesn’t just put innocent pedestrians and other motorists at risk—it puts you in danger too. Follow the tips below to help avoid these situations.

• When you’re out partying with friends, choose one person to stay sober and drive everyone home safely.
• If you’re heading to a party or a bar on your own, book a cab. For trips with multiple stops, consider renting a car.
• If your drinking wasn’t planned, leave your car parked where it is and pick it up later. Take a cab, bus, or train to get home or to a hotel where you can sleep it off.

Signs That You’ve Had Too Much to Drink

You don’t have to measure your BAC to figure out that you’re drunk. Some of the more noticeable signs of intoxication include:

• Flushed skin
• Sweating
• Red, bloodshot eyes
• Double or blurred vision
• Loud or slurred speech
• Trouble walking in a straight line
• Bumping into things
• Difficulty signing your name as you normally would

If you can’t quite judge how drunk you are, ask a friend, bartender, or waiter for their honest take. Keep in mind, though, that even without showing these signs, you could still be over the legal alcohol limit. If you do get charged with DUI, talk to a knowledgeable Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney right away.

Try a BAC Calculator App

For a clearer picture of where you stand, you can turn to a BAC calculator that shows you just how impaired you might be. Plenty of apps let you set up a profile with your height, weight, and age, then calculate in real time how much alcohol could be in your system.

Looking Out for Your Companions

Staying sober behind the wheel is the best way to act responsibly—not only for your own sake, but for your family, friends, and companions too. Here’s how to do your part.

• Step up to stay sober and drive everyone home safely.
• Host a safe party that offers mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks.
• Provide transportation and a place to stay for friends who’ve had too much to drink at your gathering.

Stopping Others From Driving Drunk

You’ve probably found yourself in a spot where you offered to drive someone home while they were drunk, only for them to insist on driving themselves. Here’s how you can handle that:

• Avoid turning it into a confrontation.
• If they won’t let you drive, suggest other options like calling a cab.
• Remember that the person is impaired and their judgment is clouded, so speak slowly and clearly.
• Let them know you care about them and don’t want to see them get hurt.
• Offer to let them sleep over.
• Ask another friend to help reason with the person.
• If nothing works, contact law enforcement.

If a friend ends up charged with DUI, point them toward our skilled Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer for guidance.

How to Recognize a Drunk Driver

To keep yourself safe on the road, you also need to stay alert to other drivers around you. Watch for these warning signs:

• Weaving and zigzagging across the road
• Making sudden, illegal turns
• Tailgating, swerving, or accelerating quickly
• Stopping for no apparent reason
• Drifting outside the designated driving lanes
• Narrowly missing objects
• Giving inconsistent driving signals
• Responding slowly or not at all to traffic signals
• Driving with headlights off after dark
• Driving on the wrong side of the road

What to Do When You Spot a Drunk Driver

Our legal team stresses that you need to act quickly when you notice a drunk driver, both for your safety and everyone else’s. If you have questions afterward, a dependable Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney can walk you through the next steps.

• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Don’t try to signal the drunk driver, since they’re already too impaired to communicate clearly.
• If you can, note the license plate, color, and model of the car.
• Pull over and call 911 to share the necessary details.

Our team at Youngstown Criminal Law Group will hear out your case and provide the right legal guidance if you’re dealing with a DUI. Reach out to a Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer at (330) 791-8104 today for a thorough discussion.