| In recent years special interest groups and | | | | friends will share the responsibility and will designate a |
| government-funded programs have attempted to raise | | | | different person each time they go out. In other cases |
| awareness about the importance about the | | | | individuals who typically do not consume alcohol will |
| responsible social consumption of alcohol. Through | | | | take responsibility for the group on a regular basis. |
| television commercials, billboards, and education | | | | Individuals who choose not to designate a sober driver |
| programs in schools and elsewhere, warnings of the | | | | may cause serious accidents on the roadway that |
| dangers of drinking and driving permeates our society. | | | | may result in injury or death. Drivers and passengers |
| Unfortunately, in spite of awareness campaigns, some | | | | alike may fall victim to accidents caused by drunk |
| people do not realize how dangerous operating a | | | | drivers. In the event of injury, the persons may be able |
| vehicle while under the influence of alcohol can be. | | | | to pursue personal injury lawsuits against the person |
| Persons who are intoxicated often exhibit delayed | | | | who was intoxicated, which may be very costly for all |
| reaction time, drowsiness, lack of depth perception, and | | | | involved. |
| may be unable to judge speed and distance on the | | | | In addition, drunk drivers may face arrest and criminal |
| roadway. Inebriated drivers may not realize how poorly | | | | prosecution if the driver is apprehended by law |
| they are driving and may cause serious injury or death | | | | enforcement. Police officers may arrest persons who |
| in the event of an accident. | | | | are driving in a reckless or dangerous manner, or if the |
| If a person chooses to consume alcohol, he or she | | | | driver fails to obey the rules of the road like using turn |
| should have a plan for getting home that does not | | | | signals, stopping at stop signs, and obeying the speed |
| include driving one's own vehicle. Many people choose | | | | limit. In the event of a traffic stop, the officer may |
| to use public transportation, call a taxicab, or designate | | | | choose to administer a roadside sobriety test to |
| a sober driver to get them home safely. In most cases, | | | | determine if the individual is intoxicated. DWI charges |
| the designated driver is the best and cheapest method | | | | can be very costly and may result in the loss of driving |
| for responsibly drinking and heading home. | | | | privileges, heavy fines, and even incarceration. |
| Many people will designate a single person to stay | | | | For more information on DWI charges, visit the website |
| sober for the evening during events that feature the | | | | of the Dallas DWI attorney Mark T. Lassiter. |
| consumption of alcohol. In some cases, groups of | | | | |