DUI prevention tips

Published on February 17, 2026

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can lead to devastating consequences, both legally and personally. Beyond fines and license suspension, impaired driving puts lives at risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “one person is killed, on average, about every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash.” Fortunately, DUIs are preventable. With Mardi Gras celebrations happening this week, it’s more important than ever to make responsible choices.

Here are some tips to help prevent a DUI:

• Plan ahead before you drink. Designate a sober driver or plan on using a rideshare service like Uber, Waymo or Lyft.
• Host responsibly by serving non-alcoholic drinks and encouraging guests to arrange safe rides home.
• Speak up if you see someone about to drive while impaired and offer to call a rideshare or taxi.

The consequences of a DUI can be severe. On average, a first-time DUI includes fines and penalties averaging around $13,500, plus license suspension. It’s crucial to remember that impairment isn’t limited to alcohol alone. Certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can affect your ability to drive safely. Even though medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, it’s still illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. Driving high is just as dangerous, and just as illegal, as driving drunk.

Driving under the influence is never worth the risk. By planning ahead and making smart choices, you protect yourself, your loved ones and everyone on the road. For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s drunk-driving webpage.