What You Need To Know About Driving Under the Influence
Flashing lights in your rear-view mirror? It’s time to pull over, friend! Driving under the influence is an extremely dangerous choice. You can seriously injure yourself and others on the road, even if you think you are not “as-drunk”. In any case, if you did make the unfortunate choice of drinking and driving and happened to get pulled over, here’s what you need to know.
- Pull over properly by using your indicator lights and slowing down as you park on the side of the road.
- As soon as you have parked safely, stay inside the car and turn off your engine. If you are not too drunk, try to remember where all your essential documents are kept. Turn on the light inside your car and keep your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them.
- Behave normally and don’t do anything that might seem suspicious to the police officer, such as leaning down or using your cell phone.
- Carefully follow all the instructions of the police officer, such as if they ask you to step out or request your driver’s licence.
- Answer questions to the point, without arguing or volunteering information.
- You are under constant observation, so don’t act strangely or furtively.
- When the officer asks how much did you drink, never answer with an underestimation. It’s best to not answer the question and just reply with you can’t recall how much you had to drink. Stating incorrect facts will make it difficult for you during a trail.
- Learn the rules about taking a blood alcohol content test. In some states, refusing to take the test can result in harsh consequences.
- If you are asked to take a roadside test, ask the officer if it’s voluntary. If it is, refuse to take it.
- If you have reason to believe the person who pulled you over is not an officer, ask them to take you to the police station.
If you have received a DUI, contact Oswalt Law Group for a free consultation.