Through our 23 years of experience helping good people facing DUI and related charges in Oregon, we’ve seen some common mistakes that led folks into trouble. Here are some solid guidelines to keep you and your loved ones out of trouble, and to keep Oregon’s roads safer for everyone:

What are DUI prevention tips for Oregon drivers?

• Know your limits. Most of us can enjoy a single drink with dinner without worry. However, even one drink can be too much if you’re on certain medications or have specific medical conditions. The key is to know what your safe limits are – and to leave a healthy margin for error.
• Remember that all drinks are not equal. Many micro brews are 11-12% alcohol nowadays, so you don’t want to count that as “one drink” the same way you would for a 4-5% beer. Similarly, friendly pours of wine or booze can be significantly more than “one serving.”
• Park somewhere that you can leave your car overnight. If you aren’t sure where the night is going to take you, make sure you park in a spot where you’ve got the option of coming back the next day.
• Make a plan that doesn’t involve driving. Make sure you’ve got a rideshare app on your phone, get a ride with a sober friend, or otherwise take driving out of the equation before you head out.
• Make sure you’re stocked up at home. We can’t count the number of times someone didn’t drive or get into trouble until they got home and decided they needed to run out for food, cigarettes, or more beverages. It’s easy when you’re sober to make sure you’ve got the essentials at home, and you’ll take away what can be a very treacherous temptation.

If you do run into trouble:

We hope you never need to call us, but if you or someone you care has been arrested for a DUI or related charges in Oregon, call Reynolds Defense Firm for your FREE, confidential consultation. We are here to help you understand what you’re facing and how to make the best decisions for you and your family.