| NEVER drive intoxicated. | | | | take the risk. |
| This tip is yet another of those obvious ones. But | | | | - Hire a designated driver. Search for a service in |
| people still do it ALL the time. | | | | your area and save their phone number in your |
| To be honest, there really is no excuse for drinking and | | | | phone. Often times they will let you rent drivers by |
| driving. Besides simply being responsible and having a | | | | the hour. Besides having a sober and insured driver |
| designated driver on nights out, there are so many | | | | behind the wheel, you have the added comfort of |
| additional services for all different occasions. | | | | being able to take your car home that night. |
| If you’re not sure of your blood alcohol level: | | | | Now, some of these services may cost more than |
| - Buy a breathalyzer by searching | | | | you want to on your one night out. However, |
| “breathalyzer” in the Google Product Search. | | | | compared to the cost of a DUI, these prices are dirt |
| Prices range from as low as $13 to $200. Most | | | | cheap. Here are the costs associated with a DUI |
| breathalyzers go for approximately $50. | | | | (not including personal injuries, medical costs, lost pay, |
| - Calculate your blood alcohol level using applications | | | | or vehicle damages): |
| for your smart phone | | | | - Minimum fine: $ 390 |
| - “R-U-Buzzed?” IPhone application by the | | | | - Penalty Assessment: $ 666 |
| Colorado Department of Transportation (Free on | | | | - State Restitution Fund: $ 100 |
| ITunes). | | | | - Alcohol-Abuse Education Fund: $ 50 |
| | | | - Blood or Breath-Testing Fee: $ 37 |
| - Do it the old way. Use a trusty chart. I recommend | | | | - Jail Cite-and-Release Fee: $ 10 |
| you print a copy and have it in your car at all times. | | | | - Driving/Alcohol-Awareness School: $ 375 (16 weeks |
| | | | minimum) |
| If you went alone or everyone in your party is | | | | - License Reissue Fee: $ 100 |
| intoxicated: | | | | - Attorney Fees (average): $ 2,500 |
| - Take public transportation | | | | - Auto Insurance Increase: $ 3,600 - $6,600 |
| - Take a taxi. | | | | (The Auto Club estimates $2,200 a year for 3 years) |
| - If you went to a restaurant or bar, they should be | | | | Total $7,828 - $10,828 |
| able to recommend a few different taxi services. | | | | (Credits to FriendsDriveSober.org and Mothers Against |
| - You can also call 1-800-GOOG-411 for no cost and | | | | Drunk Driving) |
| ask for a taxi service in your area. | | | | To learn more about the dangers of drinking and |
| - There are also several IPhone applications that | | | | driving, visit the following organizations: |
| connect you to a taxi in your area, using GPS | | | | - Alcohol Alert |
| functionality. Try “Rocket Taxi,” “Call A | | | | - Center for Disease Control |
| Taxi,” “Cab 4 Me,” and many more! | | | | - Mothers Against Drunk Driving |
| - Carpool. Only one sober driver? Pitch in for gas | | | | And remember, if you or a loved one is hit and |
| and ask for a ride. However, if you suspect at all that | | | | consequentially hurt by a drunk driver, consult a |
| that person has been drinking, be safe and don’t | | | | personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. |