When it comes to drinking and driving, many people believe they will be able to remain in control and determine when they are too drunk to drive. Reports on drunk driving deaths claim to differ, with the Centers for Disease Control stating that over 2,000 people in Kentucky were killed in accidents with drunk drivers between the years of 2003 to 2012.
The holiday season presents multiple opportunities for drinking, which means there are also more chances that drivers will get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Kentucky laws allow for sobriety checkpoints, but there are also several other ways to prevent motorists from driving drunk or receiving a DUI.
One of the most effective methods to guarantee a driver will not be able to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is an ignition interlock. Efforts are being made to make the interlock mandatory for any DUI offenders so that the ignition will not start if the alcohol breath concentration is above 0.02 percent.
There are many other methods drivers can take to increase the chances that they will not end up drinking and driving. Channel 10 News in Iowa states that drivers should arrange a ride before leaving home if they are going to be drinking. Cabs or designated drivers eliminate the need to make vital decisions while under the influence of alcohol.
There are also several apps that can offer breathalyzer tests for motorists to use before driving. Another method is for drivers to decide what they are willing to drink beforehand and stick to that number. It can be difficult for people to decline drinks when alcohol seems to be so plentiful during the holiday season, but doing so can save their own lives as well as the lives of other drivers around them.