Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to enjoy Mexican-inspired food, drinks and culture. If you are planning a fiesta, be aware that Michigan police will be out in full force to identify, stop and arrest intoxicated drivers.
Mixed drinks with stir sticks and car key on wooden table
Drunk driving is particularly common on drinking holidays – and people tend to break out the Coronas and margaritas on Cinco de Mayo. If you want to enjoy the celebration outside a jail cell, be sure to arrange alternative transportation for yourself and any friends who intend to drink. Here are a few tips to help you avoid an OWI and related charges:
- Use a taxi or rideshare companies
- Plan ahead;
- Moderate your drinking;
- Host a party at your place;
- Sober up before driving;
- Or stay overnight at a hotel or friend’s place.
Unfortunately, honest people make mistakes. If Michigan police arrest you for OWI, contact Gordon & Hess, PLC. Brian E. Gordon is a Grand Rapids criminal defense lawyer who will aggressively fight for a positive outcome to your case. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 616-369-7452. Until then, read on to learn six tips to help you avoid an OWI on Cinco de Mayo:
- Use a Taxi or Rideshare Company
Instead of driving, leave your car at home and take an Uber or Lyft. You could also contact one of Grand Rapid’s many taxi services such as:
- Yellow Cab: 616-459-4646;
- Great Lakes Taxi: 616-241-5150;
- And Boss Taxi: 616-303-0141.
All of these companies offer 24-hour service, and the cab fare will be far less expensive than OWI fines.
- Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can prevent you or a friend from making a last-minute decision to drive. This will also give you the opportunity to appoint a designated driver.
- Moderate Your Drinking
You should never drive after drinking an alcoholic beverage. Although some people believe they can have two drinks without reaching the legal limit, this rule does not apply to everyone. Several factors can affect your blood-alcohol concentration including your weight, sex and alcohol tolerance. However, if you intend to drink and drive later, be sure to moderate your drinking and consume plenty of water.
- Host a Fiesta
Even if you take a taxi, the roads can be dangerous on Cinco de Mayo. Hosting a party at your place will keep you and your friends safe from drunk drivers. Allow others to spend the night instead of driving under the influence.
- Sober up before Driving
If you insist on driving after drinking, it is critical that you sober up first. Most men can process about one beer every two hours; however, each person is different. It is always better not to drive after drinking even one alcoholic beverage.
- Stay Overnight at a Hotel or Friend’s Place
If you are celebrating Cinco de Mayo at a bar or another person’s home, consider staying overnight. Ask your host if there is room, or find a cheap hotel nearby. If you are facing OWI charges in Michigan, contact Gordon & Hess, PLC. A criminal law attorney in Grand Rapids will evaluate your charges and structure a comprehensive defense. Call 616-369-7452 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
