3 Ways to Avoid a Memorial Day DUI
Memorial Day reminds us of the soldiers who gave their lives in service of this country. How should you should not commemorate Memorial Day weekend? With a DUI.
With booze and good times flowing around this federal holiday, pay attention to these three tips to avoid getting a Memorial Day DUI:
1. Don't 'Drive' Drunk.
This seems like common sense... because it is. The easiest way to avoid being charged with a DUI on a holiday is to not get in a car -- or any other type of vehicle, on land or water -- while intoxicated.
So if you're planning on having a nice Memorial Day booze cruise around your favorite local lake, make sure that the pilot of the S.S. Good Times is sober, or she may be slapped with a boating DUI.
Same goes for those party goers who want to ride their Burning Man-tested bike around with a handle of Svedka on the handlebars; depending on your state, you may be pulled over for a DUI on a bike.
2. Don't Drive High.
Sure, Colorado and Washington legalized recreational use of marijuana in 2012. But in all 50 states, driving while impaired by marijuana or any other drug is illegal.
Many states have zero-tolerances policies for driving under the influence of substances other than alcohol -- including even prescription medications, if they impair your ability to drive. Even states without zero-tolerance drugged-driving laws will subject you to a field sobriety test.
If you are a legal medical marijuana user, it would be prudent for you to take a backseat from driving if you plan on Memorial Day toking.
3. Be Aware of Checkpoints.
If you need any other reason to avoid drinking and driving on Memorial Day, in most states, law enforcement will be setting up DUI checkpoints to help keep drunken and drugged drivers off the road.
Some law enforcement agencies, like the LAPD, even post the time and approximate locations of their Memorial Day weekend checkpoints, hoping that it will deter people from driving drunk, reports LA Weekly.
Law enforcement agencies seem to be giving a clear warning: Drive drunk on Memorial Day and you will get a DUI. Don't let it happen to you.
Related Resources:
- LAPD DUI Checkpoint Location Info Is Back; Silver Lake Hipsters Targeted (LA Weekly)
- What Laws Govern Stoned Driving? (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Punishment for Boating Under the Influence? (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Browse DUI / DWI Lawyers by Location (FindLaw)
