Avoiding a DWI/DUI
Don't drive after consuming a significant amount of alcohol. It’s that simple. Wait it off, sleep for an hour or two. You could also use a designated driver or call a cab. Hire a limo for the night. Call a friend, family member, or significant other to pick you up. Walk. Ride the bus. Charter an airplane. What ever alternative it is, DON'T DRIVE.
If you make the decision to drive, know your legal limit. Each state have slightly different laws. New York has some of the strictest laws in the nation. If you are under the age of 21, you can not drive with alcohol in your system. There is a zero tolerance limit for all underage.
Be polite to the officer. Do not use foul langauge or be angry. Maintain your calm. Just because you were pulled over doesn't mean the officer had a legiment reason for doing it. It could be something as simple as your taillight is out, or you accidentally caught someone off. Just because you have been stopped by the police and you have consumed alcohol prior to driving, does not mean you will be arrested for DUI. However, there is a fine line to toe in that, prior to being placed in custody (arrested), any answers given to questions asked of you by the police can be later used against you.
What to do: Src
1. Police officers need an excuse to stop a vehicle; there must be some probable violation to justify stopping your vehicle. Frankly, they can always come up with an excuse to stop any vehicle they want to -- a dirty license plate is a violation. But, if given the choice, they will stop the vehicles with the most obvious violations. Speeding, failing to use signals, rolling through a stop sign or driving with burned out lights are common justifications for stopping a motorist. Most of these are controllable items or situations.
2.Obviously, violating traffic laws is a good way to attract the attention of police officers. At the same time, driving below an already under posted speed limit, signaling a turn a half a mile before turning or not taking your turn at a stop sign will also attract attention. It is virtually impossible to drive more than a mile or two without violating some arcane traffic law. If you have the option of pulling into a parking lot or otherwise avoid having a patrol car follow you for a long distance there will be less likelihood of being stopped for a traffic violation. Making sure to wear your seat belt is one way to convey an aura of "safety."
3.Be courteous, but admit to nothing. If the officer asks if you have been drinking return his question with a question, "would you like to see my license?" or "why do you ask?" Do not admit to drinking so much as one beer. You are under no obligation to give the officer any information beyond that on your drivers license. Your admission to drinking gives the officer "cause" to pursue the matter further. Without that admission he must base his decision on pursuing a DWI arrest on your driving, or mannerisms after the stop. A burned-out headlight is not an indication of impairment and neither is a refusal to chitchat about your night's events.
4. If you know you're intoxicated, refuse a breathalayzer.