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Avoid a DWI charge this holiday season

With the holidays coming up, you might find yourself indulging in a few drinks at a bar, casual get-together or holiday party. But if you choose to get behind the wheel afterwards, your decision to drink and drive can have major consequences.

Virginia DWI penalties

Drunk driving increases during the holiday season because of the numerous parties and days off work. Unfortunately, it results in frequent crashes and even fatalities.

Virginia law enforcement takes drunk driving very seriously, especially around the holidays. Any person caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher can be charged with a DWI. Depending on your BAC level and past DWI charges, the penalties can be extreme. Consequences include:

  • Expensive fines
  • Driver’s license revocation
  • Jail time
  • Forfeiture of vehicle

In an effort to bring awareness to the dangers and consequences of drunk driving, Virginia will once again participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. But this campaign doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself this holiday season.

Alternatives to drinking and driving

The safest way to avoid a DWI charge is to stay sober. However, that can be a challenging suggestion to enforce, especially during the holidays when you might want to relax or celebrate with a drink. Fortunately, there are several other safe options available that can help keep you DWI-free during the holidays.

If you’re planning on going out, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to serve as a designated driver to safely transport you around town. It’s handy to have a reliable person around who can pick you up if you drank more than you planned.

In today’s age, there are also numerous ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft. Even public transportation such as buses and taxis might be available for your use. These services can help you get home safe at a much lower price than that of a DWI.

Drunk driving is entirely preventable. Making the decision not to drink and drive can keep your holiday season safe and enjoyable for everyone.

 

 

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