Across the United States, a person is arrested for drunk driving every 50 minutes. If DUIs are this common, why do so many people choose to drink and drive on the most celebrated, yet dangerous, time of year?
Well for starters, alcohol clouds judgment and lack of judgment increases our risk of getting a DUI, having an accident, hurting ourselves and others. 
This year, authorities are doubling patrol forces as early as Friday afternoon. The areas of Newport, Covington, Florence, and Downtown Cincinnati will be closely watched both during the day and well into the next morning. DUI checkpoints are increasingly common around this area, particularly around the bridges and highway interchanges.
The penalties for being charged with a DUI extend beyond incarceration. In Northern Kentucky, your license privileges can be revoked even if you refuse to take a breathalyzer. Even first-time offenders face up to 30 days in jail, along with fines, court costs and possibly alcoholism evaluation.
As we ring in the New Year, smartphone users can use these awesome apps to help them and their friends make smarter driving choices on one of the most dangerous driving nights of the year.
1. “Can I Drive Yet?”
It’s a handy application that let’s you create a personal profile that you can use to measure your alcohol intake throughout the night. It has several drink options, such as light beer, dark beer, white wine, clear liquor and mixed drinks.
Just complete the profile and add each drink as you have it. The app calculates your BAC (blood alcohol content) based on what you’ve had to drink and at what time. It also keeps track of when you’ve had your last cocktail, using minute-by-minute tracking and red highlighting of numbers to alert you when you’re over the legal limit.
2. “Taxi Finder” and “Taxi Magic”
Using your current location, these apps find taxi services in your local area. It sends signals to various available cabs that are within a specified radius and helps you calculate the typical fare it costs depending on your destination. It works best in bigger cities, but can still help you find a cab on those busy nights in smaller areas, like New Year’s. The coolest part? The GPS system can actually track your taxi, so you know when it’s close to your area.
3. “Fuzz Alert Speed Trap”
This handy app is great for the designated driver. It let’s you know when you approach speed traps and red light cameras. It aims to help make drivers more aware of their surroundings, reduce accidents and to make our roads a safer place.
This New Year’s, be extremely cautious when driving in and around the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Do NOT drive after consuming alcohol.
If you or someone you know is arrested for a DUI, please contact our law office as soon as possible. We’ll help secure your defense and advise you on the best action available to you. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS, so we urge you to act now.
Everyone at Fessler, Schneider & Grimme wishes you a safe and happy New Year!
