The holiday season is a time for celebration and gathering with friends and family. Many of these occasions include good food and drink, often with alcoholic beverages. Although it is fun to join the festivities, it is also important to take proper precautions if driving afterwards. San Antonio and surrounding neighborhoods often see a rise in drunk driving arrests during the holiday season.
Recent reports show that police arrested more than 140 drivers in Bexar County between December 24 and December 31 of 2023. The following tips can help you avoid becoming another statistic.
#1: Educate yourself
You are already taking the most important step. Gather information so you can plan accordingly. Which leads us to our next tip.
#2: Plan ahead
One of the most effective ways to avoid DUI/DWI charges is to plan how you will get home before you head out. Consider these options:
- Designate a sober driver who will abstain from drinking and be responsible for driving.
- Use public transportation or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft which are readily available in San Antonio. It is a good idea to have the number of a taxi service or rideshare app ready on your phone and to check public transportation schedules if you plan to attend a late-night event.
By organizing your return trip in advance, you reduce the risk of making impulsive decisions after consuming alcohol.
#3: Host responsibly
If you are hosting a holiday event, you have a role to play in preventing DUI/DWI incidents. It is helpful to offer non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol. This trend is soaring of late, so it is relatively easy to find tasty non-alcoholic alternatives to add to your offerings.
It is also a good idea to serve food at your event and to stop serving alcohol as the evening is winding down. This can help mitigate the effects of alcohol.
Whether hosting a gathering or attending an event, it is important to be mindful of the choices you make regarding alcohol and driving. San Antonio sees an increase in DUI/DWI patrols and checkpoints during this time, making it even more critical to plan ahead. By taking simple precautions and planning transportation ahead of time, you can enjoy the festive season without legal complications. Stay safe and celebrate responsibly.