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Summer is a beloved time for people of all ages to relax and have a fun. However, it’s important to remember that with an increase in social outings comes an increase in the potential for dangerous situations. Drinking and driving is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for not only the driver, but also for innocent victims.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one person dies in a drunk driving accident every 45 minutes in the U.S. In addition, in 2020, 11,654 people died in drunk driving accidents. With the increased levels of drinking in summer months, the number of DUI arrests increase as well.
Why Do DUIs Increase Over the Summer?
There are several factors that contribute to this rise in drunk driving incidents in the summer. These include vacations, outdoor events, and celebrations. With outdoor activities such as barbecues, pool parties, and music festivals, alcohol becomes more accessible and people tend to drink more than usual. Additionally, summer vacations to new destinations often involve unfamiliar roads, which can increase the risk of accidents for those who choose to drink and drive.
What If You Get a DUI While Vacationing in Maryland?
If you find yourself facing a DUI charge in Maryland, it's important to know that it's not just a local matter. If you're not a resident of Maryland, officials may be required to report your conviction to your home state or the state that issued your driver's license. This means that not only will you face penalties in Maryland, but you may also face additional consequences in your home state.
It's important to work with an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate complex legal issues and ensure that your rights are protected. A skilled attorney might be able to minimize the consequences of a DUI conviction or get the charge dismissed, so you can move forward with your life.
How to Avoid a DUI
Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. There are a few ways to avoid getting charged with DUI.
Plan Before Drinking
Before heading out for a night of drinking, it's crucial to plan how you'll be getting home safely. Drinking and driving is never an option, so always have a designated driver, call a cab, or use a ride-sharing service. Not only is it important for your safety, but for that of others on the road as well.
Monitor Alcohol Consumption
It's important to be mindful of your alcohol intake and pace yourself when drinking. This ensures that you can enjoy the night without negative consequences. Keeping track of how much you're drinking and spacing out your drinks can also prevent you from becoming too intoxicated. As alcohol can impair your judgment and physical abilities, monitoring your consumption and pacing yourself can help you stay safe and avoid harm. Always remember to drink responsibly and in moderation.
The deferral limit to legally drive in the U.S. is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIHAAA), BAC is determined by how much as well as how quickly a person drinks alcohol. This also includes a person’s body’s rate of alcohol absorptions, distribution, and metabolism. Within two hours, women tend to reach a BAC of 0.08% after 4 or more drinks and men at around 5 or more drinks.
Eat Before & While Drinking
Alcohol enters the bloodstream through the stomach, and the less food present, the faster alcohol will be absorbed. To slow the absorption, it's recommended to have food high in protein, fats, and even carbs. By doing so, you can enjoy your drink without worrying about the rapid onset of intoxication.
A few example foods that slow alcohol absorption include:
- Guacamole
- Baked potato
- Sandwich
- Yogurt
- Salmon
Ask Someone Else to Drive
If you find yourself intoxicated before driving home, the best course of action is to have a sober friend drive you or call a ride service. Even if you think you're okay, alcohol can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting yourself and other drivers in danger. Therefore, it’s important to take responsibility and avoid the risk by seeking a safer way home.
Contact Matthew Penick Law
Before drinking, taking precautions is crucial to ensure your safety and avoid getting a DUI arrest. However, if despite these precautions, you find yourself facing a DUI arrest, it's important to contact a reliable and experienced attorney.
Our attorneys at Matthew Penick Law can assist you in navigating the legal process. We can help you build a strong defense strategy and work to minimize the negative consequences of your DUI charge.
Call us at (410) 618-0863 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.