It’s the weekend. You’ve made plans to go out with friends. The last thing you want is to end up with a DWI on your way home. Here are a few ways you can avoid getting pulled over.
Don’t Drink and Drive
The most obvious solution, of course, is not to drink and drive. It may not be the most attractive option, but it is certainly foolproof. If you don’t want to go that route, at least ask someone in your group to be the designated driver for the rest of you.
Take Care of Other Potential Problems
A police officer may pull you over for another problem, realize you may have been drinking, and then add a DWI citation on top of the original issue. Don’t give law enforcement another reason to pull you over. For example, make sure your license and registration are valid and your headlights and taillights are in good working order.
Prep Your Paperwork
The last thing you want is to be fumbling around for your paperwork while the officer who has stopped you looks on. Before you go out, collect your current insurance card, license, and registration. Put them somewhere easy to access, like in your center console or clipped to your sun visor.
Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach
Eating while you drink has been shown to prevent the level of alcohol in your blood from peaking. If you pace yourself and keep snacking, you may be able to keep your blood alcohol content (BAC) low.
Stay Off the Main Roads
Officers usually concentrate their efforts in more populated areas where they’ll catch the most drivers. When it’s time to head home, try to take a quieter route that will keep you off the main roads. If you’re not familiar with any such routes, plan one out ahead of time so you’ll know where you’re going when the time comes.
Keep It Simple
If you do get pulled over, keep your answers short and simple. Don’t give the officer more information than is needed. The more you talk, the more opportunities the officer has to realize you’ve been drinking.
Call a Lawyer
You may end up with a DWI despite your best efforts. That’s a chance you take when you choose to drink and drive. Fortunately, you may be able to beat a Fairfax DWI with the help of a good attorney. The Law Office of Faraji Rosenthall will give you a free consultation to discuss your case. Call us at 703-934-0101 to schedule yours.
