In our last post, we talked about how the police are going to be launching another round of DUI patrols during the holiday season in the state of Colorado. This isn’t particularly surprising, nor is it specific to the state of Colorado. These holiday DUI patrols happen all across the country every year, and for good reason. Many holiday events involve alcohol, and people freely consume it and then, unfortunately, make the mistake of getting behind the wheel of a car.
The key word in that last statement is “mistake.” When you are under the influence of alcohol, you aren’t thinking clearly and you are prone to make decisions that you normally wouldn’t. This doesn’t excuse someone from getting behind the wheel of a car while they are under the influence of alcohol, but it is important context. These people can have their lives ruined by a decision they likely would not have made under different (and more prevalent) circumstances.
A DUI is incredibly punishing, and not just on the legal side. Anyone will suffer as a result of a DUI in a personal sense. Relationships can be ruined, your work life can be affected, and numerous other interpersonal factors can become complicated as a result of a DUI.
So during this holiday season, please be safe out on the road. Don’t drink and drive. If you do consume alcohol, ask a sober person to drive you home. If you know in advance that you will be consuming alcohol, get a designated driver.