Originally published on Aug. 16, 2018, this blog was updated on Aug. 29, 2019.
Labor Day is a defining point between summer and fall, and with it comes the last push for fun before cold weather sets in. With the long weekend, lots of functions will be taking place such as vacations, road trips, and fun by the lake. One thing to keep in mind is that if your events involve alcohol, you may need to be even more mindful about the effects of drinking and driving, and how the consequences can impact you and the people around you.
Drive sober or get pulled over
According to statistics, holiday weekends are especially dangerous for drivers, as individuals who drink and drive are more prone to get on the roads. NHTSA has warned that state and local law enforcement will be making it a priority to keep the roads safe this Labor Day weekend by patrolling roads to a higher degree than in years past.
Drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states, with the blood alcohol threshold being .08 or higher. Still, each year about one-third of all deaths on the road involve drunk drivers. (NHSTA) The drunk driving death statistics are staggering, to say the least, but that still does not deter individuals from practicing unsafe driving habits.
What will ultimately have to be enforced are the penalties of drunk driving. In addition to jail time, penalties for drunk driving can include community service, DUI treatment and therapy, thousands of dollars in fines and fees and the installation and use of an ignition interlock device on every vehicle a person owns or operates.
Preventing drunk driving this Labor Day
Drunk driving impacts everyone involved. There are some steps you can take to prevent yourself or someone you know from driving while drunk. These include:
- Stopping your friend from driving while intoxicated by taking their keys if necessary
- Calling a ride-share service to pick you and your friends up from your location instead of getting on the road intoxicated
- Letting others know about the effects of driving while affected by alcohol
In addition, NHTSA’S SaferRide app can help you find the phone number to a local cab company or can send your location to a friend or family member so they can come pick you up.
Your efforts, coupled with the efforts of others can empower those who are considering driving while drunk to put down the keys, and just that one action could potentially save someone’s life. Intoxalock supports safe driving practices by providing ignition interlock devices for individuals who are required to have one installed as a result of a DUI.
If you or anyone you know has been arrested for a DUI and is required to have an ignition interlock device, call one of our Ignition Interlock Device Specialists today at (833) 623-0200 so we can help you meet your state’s requirements to get back on the road safely.