As the weather begins to warm up, so do plans for fun spring parties. Cocktail parties in the garden and backyard barbecues are full of fun and excitement, and are often accented with different alcoholic beverages. This time of year also ushers in the presence of law enforcement checking drivers for alcohol consumption. During these peak party times, it is important that you are responsible while consuming fruity warm-weather drinks by considering some of the following:

Never Get Behind the Wheel

If you have been consuming alcohol in any capacity, do not ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle. One drink can easily turn into three or five in no time at all, and your judgment can become impaired. There are plenty of options if you need a ride home. Ask a designated driver, take a cab, or call a car from Uber to get you where you need to go. There is no excuse for not finding a safe way to get home.

Slumber Party

If you are in a situation where you cannot get a ride home, simply do not leave. Ask the host of the party if you can sleep it off at his or her home so that you can safely drive the next day. A true friend will not mind if you sleep on the sofa or in a guest room. They will want to keep you and others on the road safe from a potential accident. If you do not know the host very well, you should still ask to sleep for a while until you can drive safely.

Avoid the Drinking All Together

While a warm party atmosphere is a typical time to have a few drinks, it is not worth the possibility of hurting yourself or somewhere else. If you do not have a plan for getting from point A to point B, you should not partake in the drinking. It is the safest way to prevent getting into an accident while driving. If you know you won't be able to drink at the party, you can bring your own non-alcoholic beverage. You can still enjoy everyone's company without having any alcohol.

Warm weather fun does not have to be defined by alcohol and fruity cocktails. There is plenty of fun to be had without drinking. Nothing is worth someone potentially losing a life. Always be responsible when you are drinking away from home. Contact a lawyer, like Boehmer Law, if you do get a DUI.