Safe Driving Tips After Your First DWI

 Posted on January 11, 2018 in DWI / DUI

When you have regained your driving privileges after a charge of driving while intoxicated, you must reassess your driving habits that led to the initial arrest. Most DWI arrests occur because drivers commit traffic violations or are involved in accidents. Once a police officer suspects you may be impaired, you are at risk of being charged with DWI. Avoiding drinking and driving is the most important step you can take to prevent a DWI arrest. However, there are other driving tips that will keep you safe and help you avoid police attention.

Being Aware of Impairment

There are conditions other than intoxication that can impair your driving skills. You may be sick, emotionally upset or experiencing an adverse side effect from a medication. However, the most common driving impairment is drowsiness. Whether due to lack of sleep or overworking yourself, being tired slows down the mental responsiveness you need to be a safe driver. Police can also confuse the symptoms of drowsiness with the symptoms of intoxication. To avoid impaired driving, you should:

• Try to get regular sleep;
• Find someone else to drive if you are too tired to do so; and
• Schedule regular breaks if on a long trip.

Avoiding Distractions

Police officers can mistake distracted driving for intoxicated driving because both involve erratic behavior and slow response times. Many drivers believe they can multitask by driving their vehicles while:

• Talking on the phone;
• Looking at a digital screen;
• Eating or drinking; and
• Applying makeup or shaving.

Activities that require your concentration divert your attention away from your driving. It may be only a momentary lapse, but that is enough time for you to make a mistake that either results in an accident or draws the attention of a police officer.

Defensive Driving

Being a safe driver requires more than following the rules of the road. You must be aware of the drivers around you and how their actions may affect you. Defensive drivers can be assertive in their actions but will err on the side of caution in risky situations. This may mean:

• Ceding the right of way to other drivers;
• Giving extra space to drivers in front of you; and
• Driving slower when adverse conditions may impair your ability to stop or steer your vehicle.

Multiple DWI Incidents

If you have previously been convicted of DWI, you must avoid scenarios where police may suspect you of committing the offense again. Multiple DWI convictions will result in more severe penalties. A San Antonio DWI defense attorney at the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock can defend you against DWI charges. To Schedule your consultation, call 210-226-0965.

Source:

https://www.nationwide.com/driving-safety-tips.jsp