Put a Tape Recorder in Your Car

Buy a small hand-held tape recorder and keep it in your car.  Should you ever get stopped after drinking, this could be a very valuable piece of evidence.  This is your record of the events that occurred.  Sure, cops often record sound and video during their stops.  However, it is not unheard of for those records to turn up edited at those precise moments that favor the citizen. 

In addition, if you have a record of a cop making a mistake, your case could be thrown out.  For example, imagine if a cop was caught on tape violating law or procedure.  Your case would likely be dismissed or charges dropped.  How valuable then does that make your tape recorder?  That’s right – priceless! 

Warning:  be sure and check the laws in your state regarding recording another person with or without their knowledge.   In general, you can record anyone, as long as they know they are being recorded.  You don’t have to announce it to them.  Simply put the recorder in plain view and turn it on.  Go buy a recorder now, for each of your cars.

Use a Designated Driver

A cliché for sure.  However, it is a simple and effective method for avoiding a DUI.   Before you go out, decide who will be the driver.  If it’s you, make sure you don’t drink, or drink very little.  Don’t wait until it’s closing time at the bar before you select a designated driver.

Use Public or Other Transportation

Take a taxi.  Ride a bus.  Hitchhike.  Walk.  Ride a bike.  Have your mother drop you off.  Do anything.  Just don’t drive to the bar.

Eat a Large Meal

Eating a large meal before going out will help slow the rate of absorption.  It will not prevent you from becoming impaired or prevent the alcohol from being absorbed into your bloodstream.  However, by slowing the rate of absorption, you will slow the rate at which you reach the legal limit for driving.  In other words, you will be able to drink more, before you feel the effects.  We’ve all had a drink on an empty stomach.  You can feel the effects of the alcohol after you’ve downed the first cocktail.  Eat before you go out, and slow your rate of intoxication.  It could be the difference in going over the legal limit.

Drink a Lot of Water

Before you go out for the evening, drink several glasses of water.  Again, this will not prevent the alcohol from getting into your system.  But it will help slow the rate of absorption.  Water also has the welcomed side effect of preventing or reducing the effects of a hangover.

By following all of these steps, you will greatly decrease your risks of getting a DUI.  But in order to get the benefit, you must take the action.

CONTINUED...HOW TO AVOID A DUI