With college students all over the country on spring break — heading here to Florida and other warm location — it’s essential more than ever to remember the dangers of drunk driving. While individual state laws regarding the legal drinking age and the specific penalties for DUIs vary, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 can get you arrested in every state. Further, if you’re under the legal drinking age, you can face legal DUI charges for any measurable amount of alcohol in your system.
It’s always a good idea to reinforce wise behaviors with your kids so that whether they’re headed off to spring break or just a night out with their friends, they avoid a DUI arrest and — more importantly — being injured or worse.
— Have a plan to get back to your hotel (or dorm) before you head out. If you plan to drink, call an Uber or taxi. If you’re out of town and staying at a hotel, have the hotel information on hand in case you’re in no condition to tell the driver where to take you at the end of the night.
— Don’t carry open containers of alcohol in any unlocked part of the vehicle. If you have an open container, lock it in the trunk where it can’t be reached.
— If you see a DUI checkpoint, don’t go out of your way to avoid it. That will just attract more attention from the police.
— Remember that DUIs aren’t just for alcohol or illegal drugs. Any kind of drugs (even over-the-counter ones) that impair your driving and can get you a DUI. Mixing many drugs with alcohol can especially impact your driving.
Even a first-time DUI where no one is injured can carry a hefty fine and potentially jail time. If your student is facing a DUI charge, it’s essential to make sure that you get sound legal guidance to help mitigate the consequence to his or her future.