December can be a fun and festive month – unless you are charged with a DUI. Law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania know that parties – and without a doubt, drinking – abound during this month, and as a result, they will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols and traffic safety patrols from now through New Year’s. Despite the seasonal increase in enforcement efforts, there are steps you can take to prevent being faced with a DUI.
As simple as this sounds, not driving if you have been drinking is the best way to avoid a DUI. In addition to designating a driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi, you can now use an app called SaferRide for Android and iOS to find a way home. The app can help you find a taxi, connect with friends, or look at a map of your location and assess other transportation options in the area, including walking home if there is a safe route. If you are celebrating out of town, plan ahead for a place to spend the night. If you are attending a party with a group of people, sharing a hotel room can be an economical way for all of you to avoid the serious consequences of getting a DUI.
Even with all of the possible ways to get a safe ride home or spend the night nearby, you may end up driving home from a party late at night. If you get pulled over, provide as little information as possible about where you have been and what you have been doing by keeping communications with law enforcement brief and on topic. If you are charged with DUI, contact a seasoned Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney right away. The attorneys at Coover & Associates have helped many Pennsylvania DUI defendants, and they may be able to help you, too. Call our office today at 717-885-5830 to schedule a free, initial consultation.