For those curious about the on goings of a DUI checkpoint, we’re exhaling the process of a DUI checkpoint for you. That was an example of some good word play! You didn’t come here for the word play, so here’s what happens during a DUI Checkpoint.

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Imagine a scenario in which you head over to a friend’s house for a New Year’s Eve party. You have three or four glasses of champagne throughout the night, hop into your car and head on out to a tavern for a few more drinks. You down a couple beers while chatting with your buddies at the bar. At this point you are completely drunk. You consider driving yourself home but deep down, you know it is a bad idea to get behind the wheel. There is no longer any excuse whatsoever to drive drunk or even buzzed. Here’s why.

Ride-Share to the Rescue

Uber, Lyft and other taxi-like services have made a mammoth dent in drunk driving statistics. All you have to do is fire up the Uber app on your smartphone or have a friend do it for you and you will have an Uber driver waiting at your location in mere minutes. You can always go back to the bar, nightclub or friend’s house the next day when you are stone-cold sober to pick up your vehicle. Consider the following statistic: Nearly eight people were arrested for drunk driving in Seattle on a daily basis back in 2014. After Uber became available, this figure dropped below seven per day. Similar drops in drunk driving arrests occurred in other cities where Uber is available.

Uber, Lyft and other ride-share services are geared up and ready to go on the New Year’s holiday and beyond. Do not assume it will take hours for an Uber driver to reach you. He might be right around the corner, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to drive a tipsy party-goer home and keep his beloved city safe. In fact, ride-share programs plan far ahead for a surge in ride requests on New Year’s. Plenty of drivers are available on this holiday as well as other holidays. Do not hesitate to connect with Uber or Lyft even if you are in need of a ride in the early hours of the morning. These ride-share services are fully aware that the demand for rides spikes in the hours after last call.

Ride-Share Drivers Want to Help

A survey of Uber drivers shows that nearly 90 percent of their customers indicated the ride-share service helped prevent an instance of drunk driving. About 80 percent of ride-share customers say these services helped them avoid driving while impaired. It is clear that ride-share drivers are providing an invaluable community service. Do not be afraid to reach out for their help if you are tipsy and need a ride home.

Lyft Pitches in to Prevent Drunk Driving on New Year’s Eve and Day

Lyft is extending a $50 free ride credit to customers in Las Vegas this New Year’s holiday. This credit can be used in the hours when New Year’s revelers tend to consume the most alcohol: 7 PM on New Year’s Eve until 3 AM on New Year’s Day. If you are in Sin City for the New Year’s celebration, use the code “LVNYE” and you’ll receive the free credit. Look for other ride-share companies to roll out similar programs during ensuing holidays to help eliminate the epidemic of drunk driving.

Think Twice Before Getting Behind the Wheel This New Year’s

Statistics show what we’ve all suspected: There is drunk driving on New Year’s than any other holiday. Over one-half of roadside deaths on New Year’s Day are attributed to drunk driving. Ponder the fact that it takes a full hour for the average person to metabolize a single 12 oz. beer. Then consider the fact that most revelers don’t stop at one beer, especially on a holiday like New Year’s.
It is clear that the roads are extraordinarily dangerous during the New Year’s celebration. Think twice before you put the key in the ignition and enter traffic this New Year’s. Even if you are completely sober, you will likely share the road with buzzed and drunk drivers. Add in the fact that New Year’s traffic tends to be egregiously heavy and it is easy to see why so many are deciding to stay safe and sound at home.

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No matter how rich and famous you may be, nobody escapes the long arm of the law when it comes to DUI charges. Celebrities seem to get away with just about everything else, but judges love to bring the gavel down hard on actresses and singers who get behind the wheel when they can’t see straight. Here are six celebs who could definitely use a NYS defensive driving course. Did we forget your favorite? Let us know.

Jaime Pressly

Here’s what we love about this one: you almost wonder if this was some kind of publicity stunt to get another season of My Name Is Earl made. Pressly’s 2011 drunken joyride seems like exactly the kind of thing Joy Turner would get arrested for.

Mike Tyson

Legal troubles are nothing new for Mike Tyson, which may explain why he’s sticking his tongue out and making faces in this mugshot. This is just another day on the job for Iron Mike, so why not have some fun with it? Well, either that or this is just the face Mike makes when he’s drunk. Who knows what the heck is going on with this guy, right?

Kiefer Sutherland


In 2007, Kiefer Sutherland got hit with his second DUI charge and sentenced to a 48 day penalty. A defensive driving course NY schools offer could have gotten a few days off your sentence there, Jack Bauer. Sutherland has never been quite so far off the wagon as, say, a Robert Downey Jr., but his troubles with booze have been well-documented.

Shia LaBeouf


The weird thing about this one: This is back when Shia was only 22. This is way, way before he became a freestyle rapper, or stole an independent comic book to use as a basis for his short film, or held a movie marathon of all his own films. This is back when Shia acted crazy in normal celebrity ways like reckless driving, rather than finding new, weird ways to confuse everyone.

Randy Travis

Randy Travis may not be associated with “outlaw” country music, but he’s got an impressive rap sheet. His 2012 DWI misdemeanor had felony retaliation thrown on top. That might explain the black eye and busted nose. He was found naked in a parked car outside of a church drinking a bottle of wine. According to the Texas State Troopers, Travis had crashed into a construction zone, threatened to kill the troopers, and walked into a convenience store totally naked demanding cigarettes. We can’t say we approve, but we can’t say we’re not impressed.

Amanda Bynes


Amanda Bynes makes the list for her 2012 DUI incident simply because she looks pretty calm for a girl who just sideswiped a cop car. Most of us would at least break a sweat, Bynes looks like they just messed up her order at McDonald’s but she doesn’t want to make a big deal out of it. If only we could all face the possibility serious prison time with nothing worse than mild disappointment.

Here’s something to remember: While DUI may be the one crime that celebrities seem to have a hard time getting away with, the penalties for us regular folk do tend to be a little steeper. Without the money to hire a top-notch legal team, without the social influence of showbiz success or the charm of movie-star good looks, we have to make sure that we play every card we do have. Whether that means taking defensive driving courses, or sneaking a file into the jailhouse inside of a cake, whatever you can do to lighten that sentence up a bit, the better.

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NHTSA.gov

The Fourth of July is innocently associated with America’s unwavering pride, the joy of family barbecues, and the bursting excitement of elaborate fireworks displays. But in contemporary times, this naive image hardly scratches the surface of the many stresses that accompany our most patriotic holiday. In the summer of 2014, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported that nearly 41 million people took to the roads and sky on the July 4th weekend, and with our economy on the continued upswing in 2015, those numbers are expected only to rise (USAToday). Add to the mix the fact that Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, and American roads are set to be as congested as ever come five o’clock on Friday, July 3rd.

Even the most careful and discerning of drivers is prone to a multitude of distractions on this bustling weekend, and less than stellar motorists, as always, will be out in full force. Historically, the Fourth of July boasts among the top holidays for reported DUIs, motor vehicle citations, and fatal road accidents, all undoubtedly related to the spirited partying and drinking that accompanies the patriotic celebration. Regardless of where your driving skills fall on the scales of basic common sense and safety, everyone should kick their defensive driving abilities into full gear this Fourth of July. Before you pack your swimsuit and load up the groceries for the most anticipated summer holiday, remember to consider some important points for navigating America’s roadways.

The Great Migration and Mass Exodus

It’s not enough that American families tend to congregate in droves on Independence day. AAA motor club projects that most people will travel fifty miles or more to reach their celebration destinations, making for unavoidable highway gridlock (Travel+Leisure). With the fourth falling cleanly on a Saturday this year, most workplaces will not stretch the holiday to accommodate a long weekend. This means there will be little to no confusion as to when people will travel, making for one headache of a migration on Friday afternoon and early evening. The same theory applies to the trek home on Sunday. If you are traveling to and from a beach town or holiday hotspot, be especially mindful of delays on major highways. As a defensive motorist, use smart judgment; if you can manage to depart later in the nighttime hours on July 3rd, or perhaps very early on the morning of Sunday the 5th, then do so to avoid the congestion.

If you can’t escape the crowds, then prepare yourself mentally, preserving your alertness despite the long work week, anticipation, and holiday excitement. Most importantly, steer clear of giving into the inevitable rage and frustration that comes with modern driving. Throughout time, smart motorists have always had to defend themselves against inexperienced – and just plain dumb – drivers. Forgotten turn signals and lane drifters abound, but with progress comes a number of other distractions sure to appear this holiday weekend. People will be texting, calling, and tweeting and in sheer numbers, all behind the wheel. So, be patient and vigilant on your Fourth of July quests. If you encounter an erratic motorist, keep your distance, report him or her if necessary, and – whatever you do – put down the cell phone yourself.

NHTSA.gov

Citations

Statistics concerning tickets and violations over the Fourth of July holiday are sketchy at best, but there is no question that law enforcement enthusiastically implements the traffic law. A variety of data compiled on individual state trends confirms that citations for speeding and reckless driving top the list, followed by seat belt and child safety seat violations (AndrewFlusche). Recent data does not account for the newfound surge in tickets administered for cell phone distraction, a certain concern for 2015. The most compelling of data demonstrates the high percentage of fatalities linked to impaired drivers, an average of 42%. The fact is, nobody expects a tragedy to occur amidst the excitement and camaraderie of any major holiday, including Independence Day. This carefree attitude breeds distraction. Police are not merely patrolling to generate tickets; over the weekend, they will be called to major and minor roadways attending to accidents, disturbances, and more. Letting your guard down during the festivities may easily result in your receiving a needless citation.

DUIs

The message is beaten to death: don’t drink and drive. But for the 4th of July vacation, certain traditions make way for unsuspecting trouble and tragedy linked to alcohol. Statistics note that, when falling midweek, holiday parties tend to me milder and reports of DUI decline. When responsible adults need to report to work the next day, inhibitions stay in check. This year, though, Saturday night’s alright for fighting. It goes without saying you should be watchful when navigating the roads at night. In areas with abundant nightlife and an eagerly inebriated younger crowd, police presence can only mitigate so much of the drinking and driving problem. However, motorists should also be defensive during the day, as afternoon barbecues often feature flowing cocktails that seriously impact unsuspecting drivers. During the day, people aren’t necessarily stumbling out of crowded bars and making destructive driving decisions, but they do underestimate their alcohol consumption.

This summer holiday season, protect and prepare yourself for inevitable driving distractions. Remember that traffic schools or defensive driving courses are available to you if you’ve received a moving traffic violation or want to earn a discount on your car insurance. If you’ve received a traffic ticket, your state’s county traffic court may allow you to complete traffic school in lieu of having points added to your record. If you decide to enroll in traffic school voluntarily, your car insurance provider may also award you with a safe driver discount.

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After an amazing night out on the town, nothing is worse than seeing those strobing blue disco lights in your rear view mirror. Immediately, you may think of going to jail, spending thousands of dollars, and the embarrassment associated with getting a DUI. However, not everyone is so fortunate. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,000 deaths or one death every 51 minutes in 2012 was attributed to alcohol-related accidents. In any case, it’s important to do everything within your power to drink responsibly and never get behind the wheel if you are intoxicated. If you are like most people and have a hard time determining when to say when, there’s an app for that. The following information explains five different smartphone apps designed to prevent drunk driving and help you arrive to your destination safely.

DrinkTracker

DrinkTracker is an app designed to estimate your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In order to use the app, you must input each drink you consume. Based on the number of drinks consume and your profile information, such as age, gender, weight, and height, the app presents a real-time estimation of your BAC. You can set a target BAC that estimates the amount of time necessary for your BAC to drop to the target level. DrinkTracker also integrates the Map function on your smartphone to provide commuting instructions or directions home. DrinkTracker includes easy access to your most trusted contacts in the event you have had too much to drink and need a ride home. The true downside to DrinkTracker is that it requires you input the number of drinks you consume manually, which can be difficult if you are in a seemingly engaging conversation and have had a few drinks.

Have A Plan

Before you engage in any type of risky behavior, such as drinking, you should always have a plan. As the name suggests, the Have A Plan app helps you with this schema. This app requires you to input a list of numbers and names you would contact in the event you are too drunk to drive. The Have A Plan app also includes a feature called “Get a Ride”, which utilizes GPS to locate and even contact the nearest taxi service. The app also includes reflex testing games, a BAC estimator, and several vital myths and facts about DUI situations.

BreathalEyes

Since your eyes are the windows to your soul, they can also serve as an indicator of whether you are too impaired to drive. While other apps use rough estimates, this app is designed to be a little more scientific. BreathalEyes uses your smartphone’s camera to scan your eyes for Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN). HGN is a type of involuntary eye movement that is commonly used to determine whether you are under the influence of alcohol. BreathalEyes claims to be a relatively reliable estimate of your BAC within a range of .02%-.20%.

Uber

Over the last few years, Uber has emerged as one of the premier ways to get around, which makes the Uber app one of the best ways to avoid a DUI. The app allows you to quickly contact a driver to take you to your desired location. Best of all, Uber accepts a huge variety of payment options like credit cards, Google Wallet, or even PayPal.

Breathometer

Instead of relying on estimates, Breathometer is your very own convenient pocket breathalyzer. Breathometer works by connecting an external devices to your smartphone either wirelessly or through the audio jack. After you blow into the external attachment, the app will tell you BAC. In addition, it will let you know how long it will take you to get back to sober or zero. The app includes a “Get Home Safe” option that allows you to contact Uber car service, a taxi, or reach out to your most trusted contacts. The “Stay Nearby” function allows you to find establishments, hotels, and restaurants that are still open, so you can take a little extra time to sober up.

A DUI can wreak havoc on your life in more ways than one, including increased insurance rates and points on your license. If you have received a DUI or traffic ticket, you may also be required to complete traffic school as a part of your case. On the other hand, many drivers choose to enroll in traffic school voluntarily because not only can the course help you keep your driving record clean, but several car insurance providers offer discounts for completing traffic school.

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Around the holidays there is in an increase in DUI’s because of people partying and the rise in number of people drinking and driving. So it’s no surprise that there is a big increase in police patrolling the areas, and they are usually sitting right where they think that most drunk drivers are going to be. People need to be educated more on drunk driving awareness as well as defensive driving.

Holidays are not the only time that there is an increase in DUI’s. Public gatherings such as concerts and ball games are another time when many people tend to drink excessively and perhaps have too much of a good time and find themselves in jail. If you watched the news this time last year (11/9/2012), you may have heard the headline about how Game Day Ends in DUI, this report was referring to the Green Bay Packers-Arizona Cardinals game at Lambeau Field. It was reported a large amount of police were waiting after the game to pull over suspected drunk drivers. They were actually able to arrest several drivers and this affects their driving record, as well as fines and time in jail. Of course, this is better than the alternative of being killed or killing someone else and going to jail for that. Common sense would have kept those guys out of jail, so be smart and stay safe!

We’ve all been taught basic safety when we learned to drive, and how it’s not responsible to drive after having a drink. It causes loss of coordination, impaired judgment, distorted vision as well as slow reflexes. It is also reported that one out of three people will be involved in an alcohol related accident, so don’t let it be your fault!

This holiday season, spread cheer and some drunk driving awareness to your friends and family by sharing with them some very true drinking and driving slogans as a reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving:

You booze, you cruise, you lose.

The driver is safer when the roads are dry; the roads are safer when the driver is dry.

Stay alive, don’t drink and drive.

Driving hammered will get you nailed.

Sober driving today. Alive tomorrow.

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And lawmakers, eager to keep their constituents alive and kicking and protect the public safety in general, were all too happy to help.

Last week Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed the proposed measure into law, extending the state’s .08% BAC drunk driving limit until 2018.

Separately, Washington State legislators also approved measures to extend the .08% BAC drunk driving limit to anyone who drives a boat, snowmobile or ATV, however Gov. Snyder made no guarantee that he would sign those measures into law.

One thing students of our Michigan defensive driving course understand is how much alcohol influences their behavior behind the wheel. Whether that wheel is used to operate a motor car, or a boat; a motorcycle or an ATV, the results are the same and often disastrous. Your reaction times are greatly diminished, as is your ability to judge distances, and/or make any kind of judgement at all.

Whether or not the law in your state sets a legal limit for the amount of alcohol you can consume before operating one of those vehicles, we recommend you don’t consume any alcohol at all; have a good time, be safe and arrive alive.

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Just last week the Washington State Senate Law & Justice Committee approved a measure which they hope will improve the state’s impaired driving laws. The changes include making driving under the influence a felony on the fourth conviction, rather than the current law that has it at five DUI convictions within 10 years. Their proposal also includes a mandatory arrest if a person has a prior offense within the past decade and increases mandatory minimum jail time for repeat offenders. If someone with a prior offense is arrested again on DUI a court must require that an interlock device be installed on the person’s car with proof to be filed with the court within 10 days, or the court can require participation in a sobriety monitoring program, or both.

Mandatory arrests, mandatory installation of interlock ignition devices, increased risk of an extended stay in jail–clearly Washington State legislators are not messing around when it comes to drunk drivers and repeat offenders.

And well they should. Because despite the attention garnered by distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, especially repeat offenses of those arrested once for drunk driving is no less dangerous than it has ever been. And despite best efforts by police and legislators to curtail fatalities caused by drunk driving the statistics show that drunk driving is still a leading cause of death on the roadways.

At My Improv we consider ourselves the Washington defensive driving school, so we recognize just how dangerous drunk driving is and applaud any efforts to help get the statistics turned around and focused on keeping everyone safe.

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Unfortunately for the NTSB and public safety, their position was not immediately embraced by groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Governors Highway Safety Association and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety. MADD said reducing the drunk driving limit was not part of their plan to reduce drunk driving deaths and the GHSA and ACTS both said they were not convinced reducing the BAC drunk driving limit would decrease the number of fatal vehicle collisions caused by drunk driving.

This puts the NTSB in the uncomfortable position of defending a stance pretty much all by themselves. They say their studies have shown that reducing the drunk driving limit to .05% would drastically reduce the number of traffic fatalities-cut them in half, they say. This alone seems worth investigating, however, so far the NTSB is alone in their fight to get it done.

There has also been a vocal defense of the status quo from restaurant owners who serve alcohol because they fear guests who consume a glass of wine with dinner would wind up running afoul of the law on their ride home. So, not only does the NTSB not have any support for lowering the BAC drunk driving limit, they have actually already garnered some vocal opposition.

As an on line traffic school My Improv is committed to keeping our students on the right side of the law. If the legal limit for BAC is going to change, we’ll be sure to let you know right away.

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