If you had to guess on which day of the year you typically consume the most calories, what would you say? Unless you’re an ultra marathoner or Iditarod trailbreaker, your answer is probably Thanksgiving.
According to ABC News, the average American consumes approximately 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving dishes alone. Add in appetizers, drinks, and desserts, and that figure increases to 4,500.
An additional 1,500 calories in cocktails and cake might sound like a lot, but it is natural to consume more drinks over the holiday weekend than at any other time. Not only are you eating more, but you also have cause to celebrate, and having a few cocktails with friends or family is perfectly safe—as long as you avoid driving home.
Forbes reports that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous holidays, and the U.S. mortality rate actually spikes on Turkey Day. There are several reasons for this jump, and drunk driving is one of them.
In an attempt to prevent fatal collisions, police are especially vigilant about identifying impaired motorists on Thanksgiving weekend. If you are facing charges for driving under the influence after a routine traffic stop with an aggressive officer, contact Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law.
Darren DeUrso handles DUI cases throughout White Plains and all of Westchester County every single day. He has the diligence, experience, and strategic creativity to go up against even the most aggressive prosecutors. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a case evaluation with a moving violation lawyer in White Plains.
Read on to learn how you can avoid a DUI arrest over Thanksgiving weekend:
- Avoid Sobriety Checkpoints
Police in New York are allowed to set up sobriety checkpoints, which means they can pull you over without probable cause to check for impairment. Since much of the evidence of intoxication is purely subjective, it is worth avoiding these roadblocks altogether. In 2016, police conducted such checkpoints from 6 p.m. on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to 6 p.m. on the Monday after it, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.
- Get a Small Breathalyzer Device
Even if you know your limits, there is no way to gauge your blood alcohol concentration accurately without actually measuring it. If you must drive after dinner, consider purchasing a small breathalyzer device for your car.
- Avoid Mixing Substances
For most average adults, one standard drink is not enough to put them over the legal driving limit; however, if you are currently taking medication, it can be. Make sure you know about all the potential side effects of any prescriptions that you take so you do not end up driving while intoxicated inadvertently.
- Designate a Sober Driver
If one of your friends or family members doesn’t drink, ask if they mind being the designated driver for the evening. You and the other passengers can thank the DD by getting a gift card to his or her favorite store or restaurant.
- Use a Ridesharing Service
If no one wants to be designated driver, your other option is to use a ridesharing service. Although rates will likely peak over the holiday weekend, they will still be far more affordable than the costs associated with a DUI conviction.
If you find yourself facing criminal charges despite following the above tips, contact Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with a DUI attorney in White Plains. You can learn more about fighting DUI charges in New York by visiting USAttorneys.com.