‘Tis the Season: Avoiding DUIs After Holiday Parties

Do Not Drink and Drive

The best way to prevent a DUI is to avoid drinking and driving altogether. When getting ready to celebrate with your loved ones, make sure to plan ahead if you do plan on drinking:

• Designate a sober driver before your meal starts.
• Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
• Stay the night at a family’s house or a nearby hotel.

Watch Out for Patrolled Roads This Holiday Season

If you do go on the roads after your party, stay aware of these areas in Pinellas County. You may experience increased law enforcement presence throughout the month of December:

• Memorial Causeway leaving Clearwater Beach.
• 4th Street in St. Petersburg, especially near downtown
• Courtney Campbell Causeway westbound from Tampa
• Gulf Boulevard from St. Pete Beach to Indian Shores
• Largo, around Ulmerton Road and US Highway 19 North

How to Handle a DUI Stop

If you get pulled over this holiday season for a DUI stop, follow these steps for the best possible outcome: 

1. Before you drive, know your rights during a DUI stop.
2. Stay calm and cooperate with the officer.
3. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present.
4. Know that you can refuse field sobriety tests.
5. Contact the DUI attorneys in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan immediately.

As the holidays quickly approach, enjoying the festivities responsibly should be your number one priority. The top DUI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan encourage you to know your rights and stay safe. 

If you or a loved one face a DUI charge this holiday season, request a free consultation from Russo, Pelletier and Sullivan, or give us a call at (727) 291-9717 to speak with one of the best DUI attorneys in Clearwater.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.