It can happen to anyone. You go out to have fun, lose track of the drinks you consumed, and before you know it, it’s time to head home. If you don’t do the responsible thing and call an Uber or ask a friend to drop you at your place, you will face a hefty DUI charge if you get behind the wheel. Illinois law is strict with offenders and merciless with repeat offenders.
The trick is not to get so drunk that you become a hazard on the road. Here are some tips on responsible drinking that can prevent that from happening:
Don’t Drink When You Are Hungry
When we drink on an empty stomach, our body absorbs more alcohol than it processes and passes out. So, if you imbibe when you are hungry or to slake your thirst with a beer, the drink will go directly into your bloodstream and make you drunk fast.
Prevent this from happening by eating a big meal before you head to the bar. Stick to fats, proteins and dense carbohydrates, such as yogurt, meat or even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The food will slow the effects of alcohol in your bloodstream.
Pace Yourself
Our body can metabolize one drink an hour, depending on the type of drink we consume. It can process 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or a shot of liquor during that time only. However, big boned individuals, particularly men, can process a bit more than thinner men and most women can metabolize less than that.
On the other hand, diet, tolerance and other factors can also contribute to this so determining how much we shouldn’t drink. A good rule of thumb is to ensure you don’t have more than one alcoholic drink per hour. Plus, drink at least a pint of water after each one. This will allow your body to process the drink faster and flush it from your system so you won’t get drunk immediately.
Find a Designated Driver
If you cannot hold your drink or find yourself tipsy during a stag or hen party, do the responsible thing and find a designated driver. If you assign one from your party before you all start drinking, that would be a better idea. You can enjoy yourself more and ensure you don’t become a hazard on the road.
Just make sure that the designated driver doesn’t drink excessively and remain sober. Your entire group will be in jeopardy then and/or the driver could face a hefty fine, have their license revoked or worse, face a jail sentence.
At Covert Marrero Covert, LLP, we can make sure you get a reduced penalty in a DUI case and secure you a permit that can allow you to drive under special circumstances. Get in touch with us in Warrenville, Naperville or Schaumburg, IL, today.
