With the summer months approaching and Memorial Day as the first holiday travel period of the season, Chicago law enforcement officers typically expect more motorists to be on the road. Traditionally, there is a rise in DUI deaths and injuries during this time of the year with many high school and college graduations, parties and barbeques taking place. With the increased alcohol consumption during Memorial Day weekend, it is imperative that people in Chicago take the necessary steps to avoid driving under the influence. Here is a list of suggestions in order to avoid a DUI for this 2013 holiday weekend:
- Arrange rides home for your family, friends, co-workers and yourself before any drinking begins.
- Arrange for a designated driver and save yourself the pain and expense of a DUI arrest or worse, a deadly drunk driving tragedy.
- Call a taxi. Most cities have taxi services, including Chicago.
- Walk home if you’re only a couple miles away from home, but make sure to walk on well-traveled streets and in well-lit areas.
- Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party and provide plenty of food.
- Stay where you are and leave when you are sober.
- Buy your own breathalyzer to be able to test your alcohol consumption before even considering operating a vehicle to make sure you are well under the limit.
- Know your limit. Don’t go overboard.
- Don’t drink and drive!
- If you see suspicious, dangerous or impaired driving, report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1!
If you should witness the tell-tale signs of an impaired driver such as:
- Car weaving on the road
- Moving to the right when approached by an oncoming vehicle
- Crossing the centerline
- Cutting the corner/hitting the curb
- Driver slow to start when the signal light turns green
- No headlights
- Improper lane usage
- Driving with dome light on
- Sudden stops
- Tapping of brake lights
- Face close to the windshield
- Driving under the speed limit
- Staying stopped for a long time at a stop sign
- Not maintaining a consistent speed
- Stopping too late for a red light/stop sign
Don’t hesitate… Call 9-1-1 immediately!!!
Odds of being arrested are very high if you decide to drink and drive during Memorial Day Weekend. Local and state traffic officers will be out in large numbers. Local police, as well as state troopers, may set up roadblocks and/or increase patrols during this time. As thousands celebrate their accomplishments, be smart and take necessary measures to use a designated sober driver and make sure to call 9-1-1 to report any suspected drunk driver.
