With 2019 entering the rearview and 2020 coming into focus, you don’t want to start a new year with brand new DUI charges in Bend, OR. Around the holidays, especially on New Year’s Eve, the police come out in full force to patrol the roads and pursue individuals they suspect of drunk driving. In order to protect other people in the community, as well as yourself, plan to be extra careful this New Year’s Eve and follow these tips for staying safe and avoiding DUI charges during the holiday.
Avoid a DUI on NYE
The best course of action for avoiding DUI charges in Bend, OR, on New Year’s Eve is to not consume any alcohol long before driving. There are a variety of sober events that take place, which prevents the temptation to drink, but if you do consume alcohol wait several hours or a whole day to be 100% safe.
- Choose a Designated Driver — If you’re going out with a group of friends or attending a New Year’s Eve party, choose a designated driver who won’t consume alcohol to drive you and your group throughout the night. In some cities, you can even hire a designated driver (which will be more affordable than a DUI).
- Charge Your Phone and Grab a Lyft, Uber or Cab — Today, it’s easy to find a sober ride home from the convenience of your smartphone. Drive-share apps like Uber and Lyft provide an affordable ride, allowing you to ring in the New Year the way you want. Make sure you charge your phone before you go out for the night and bring a wireless charger if necessary to make sure your phone has enough power to call a Lyft at the end of the night.
- Be a Designed Driver — Some restaurants and bars offer incentives for designated drivers, which means in addition to being a great friend, you may get special non-alcoholic drinks, discounts and exclusive rewards. If you set a New Year’s resolution to cut back on your alcohol intake, this may be the perfect way to kick off 2020.
- Limit Your Alcohol Intake — Just because it’s NYE doesn’t mean you have to go overboard when it comes to your alcohol intake. If you decide to partake, only have one or two drinks and eat plenty of food while you slowly drink your beverage.
- Don’t Text and Drive — Aside from being very dangerous, texting while you drive is illegal and is definitely increases the likelihood you’ll get pulled over on New Year’s Eve. Using your phone while driving distracts your focus from the road and even if you’re sober could result in consequences.
What to Do if Facing DUI Charges in Bend, OR
This New Year’s Eve, consider the consequences of driving and driving before you head out to celebrate. If you find yourself facing DUI charges in Bend, OR, Nelson Law has the expertise necessary to develop a defense for your case. Nelson Law is specifically trained in the drunk driving laws of Oregon, Deschutes County and the City of Bend. A DUI conviction will stay on your driving record for years. Don’t ring in the New Year with a new DUI conviction on your record. Drive responsibly and Happy New Year, Central Oregon!
