Happy New Year! As everyone heads out to parties and gatherings on the last night of the year, the roads become crowded with travelers and party-goers. New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for drivers. Many people drive home late, some people end up drinking and driving after a night out at a party or bar.
It’s extremely important to stay off the roads after a night of drinking. Minnesota has many legal consequences for drinking while under the influence. If you are under 21, Minnesota has a zero tolerance policy, meaning that any blood alcohol content above .00% could lead to a DUI. For those over 21, the BAC is .08%.
It takes a different quantity of alcohol for each person to reach .08% depending on weight, height, and gender. In Minnesota, refusing to take the chemical test can lead to a fine and license revocation. For a first offense, a license can be suspended for a minimum of 90 days. Other consequences include fines of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail.
If you are not drinking and choose to drive home, it is important to be a defensive driver and remain on the lookout for drivers and pedestrians who are being unsafe. Keep the radio low and turn off your phone to insure you are able to concentrate on driving to the best of your ability.
If you do drink on New Year’s Eve, it is important to find a safe way home. You will not only protect yourself, but every other person on the roads. To get home safely, make sure you call a cab, arrange for a designated driver or learn how to use an on-line car service such as Uber.
Uber is a car service, similar to a taxi, however calling an Uber can be much more convenient because you can use social media to call a driver. To call an Uber, first download the Uber app onto your smartphone by going to the App store. Next choose your car type, Uber has different types of cars that can fit different numbers of passengers. Next mark where you want the Uber to pick you up by tapping your location on the map. You can also manually type in the pickup location. Link your credit card to the App. Paying for Uber requires an electronic transaction. Payment is not in cash. Now wait at the exact street location for your driver. There are many on-line services other than Uber to choose from.
Make sure you check the license plate and car model to ensure you are getting in with the right driver. We hope everyone has a safe and fun New Year.
Should you encounter any problems, Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz is here to help. Contact us today at 763-560-0000 or toll free at 800-365-666
