What to Do If You are Pulled Over for a Suspected DUI

Drinking and driving is a deadly combination. Every year, thousands of Americans succumb to physical and emotional pain as a result of driving under the influence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 28 Americans die each day of car crashes caused by drunk driving. With this in mind, local authorities are taking extra measures to prevent drunk driving incidents.

These measures can sometimes overstep your rights as a motorist. This is often the case when you are getting pulled over even if you weren't drinking. Still, there's a good chance that the situation will escalate.

Traffic enforcers are only doing their duty in ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians, but if you are being pulled over for a DUI suspicion, then it would help a lot to apply the following tips:

1. Stay calm and slow down
Most people tend to speed up even if they are asked to pull over. This is the worst you can do in such a situation. Assuming you haven't done anything wrong, then you might as well slow down and let the authorities do their work. Take a deep breath and bring your vehicle to a gradual stop. Moreover, avoid swerving or adding speed. These actions will be recorded by the police and they will be used against you in court.

2. Listen closely to what the officer is saying
Once you have pulled over, the officer will approach your car and ask you a series of questions. This exchange is also recorded through the officer's bodycam, so you will have to listen to what they are saying and provide appropriate feedback. Acting rude and unresponsive can only add to the suspicion that something is wrong. To prevent the situation from getting worse, stay focused and provide the kind of answers the officer needs.

3. Don't admit to drinking right away
Since DUI laws are designed to prevent driving when your senses are impaired by certain substances like alcohol, you are technically still allowed to drink before driving. Then again, there will be situations when officers will ask questions that are meant to make you "admit" you are drunk (even if you are clearly not). You are well within your right to avoid self-incrimination. If the officer asks you certain questions that establish that you were drinking before driving, tell them the time you last drank and the amount of alcohol you have consumed. You won’t have to worry if you are still fit to drive.

4. Get a seasoned lawyer