4th of July Safety: DUI Facts

The Fourth of July holiday is a great time to make memories celebrating with family and friends. Don’t let a DUI be part of those memories. DUI offenses are greatly increased during Independence Day and to help prevent getting charged with one, it is important to know the facts.

Not driving is the best way to prevent a DUI.
Designating a sober driver, calling a taxi or ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, are great alternatives to driving. In fact, some communities even have a “Sober Ride” program. There is also a website called SoberRides.org, that provides a list of rides to choose from, such as local taxis, and information on public transportation.

Even if a driver’s BAC (blood alcohol content) is under the legal limit, they can still get a DUI.
The legal BAC limit in the state of California is .08, but if a driver shows signs of impairment, they can be arrested and charged with a DUI. Keep in mind, if the driver is under the age of 21, there is no legal limit, according to the Zero Tolerance Law.

Sleeping in a parked car can also result in a DUI.
If a driver is snoozing in their vehicle, the police are allowed to do a welfare check. If that driver shows any signs of impairment and the police have a reason to believe they may have been driving, they can conduct a DUI investigation.

Drug impairment can also qualify as a DUI.
All drugs, including those by prescription, can carry the same penalties as a DUI involving alcohol, and in some cases are even more severe.

Fourth of July = Sobriety Checkpoints and Increased DUI Patrols
A large number of checkpoints are set up all over the state of California to screen the sobriety of holiday drivers. In addition, many cities have extra police officers on duty patrolling the roads in search of impaired drivers.

Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions wants to emphasize safe and responsible driving choices this holiday weekend. Not only for your safety, but for the safety of others.

If you have found yourself in a situation where you have been charged with a DUI, call us for your SR22 insurance at 866.822.7755.