How to Avoid a Drunk Driving Disaster : Bob Ciasulli

Hi, I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. I’d like to bring the following drunk driving information to your attention.

Knowing the law can empower you to protect your safety and the safety of your friends and loved ones. The following article contains helpful information regarding drunk driving and how you can ensure your safety on the road.

In the State of New Jersey, an individual is guilty of drunk driving if he/she operates a car, truck, or motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater. “BAC” refers to how much alcohol is in your blood. What many people forget is that even if your BAC is 0.08 or below, you can still be convicted of driving under the influence. Remember—even consuming a very small amount of alcohol can severely decrease your reaction time, affect your judgment, vision, and alertness behind the wheel as well. If your alcohol consumption affects your driving ability, you can be convicted of drunk driving.

If you believe you are intoxicated, do not get in your vehicle. You’re at a much greater risk of highway injury, involvement in a car accident, causing injury to others, or death. You’ll face having your license suspended or revoked, your license plates confiscated, fines, and possible jail time. These injuries and risks are totally preventable, although they take the lives of many each year. Protect yourself. Don’t drink and drive and don’t get into a vehicle driven by anyone who’s under the influence.

How to Protect Yourself and Avoid Driving While Drunk:

• Always have a designated driver. If nobody wants to drive, volunteer yourself. Your safety is in your own hands.


• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts save lives.


• Drive defensively, anticipating the reactions of the cars around you.


• Don’t travel late at night Saturday or Sunday, i.e. after midnight.


• Do not drive on winding, rural roads.


• Ensure that your vehicle has an airbag.


• If you’re tired, do NOT drive. Being tired has the same effect on an individual as alcohol. Both effect decisions, reaction time, and judgment. Drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel cause approximately 70,000 deaths a year.


• Avoid other distractions, such as phone calls, texts, eating while driving, and other harmful behaviors.


• Drive in wide highways and roadways with plenty of space, i.e. 4 lane highways.

How to Avoid Drinking Too Much:

• Whether you’re going out or drinking at home, know your alcohol limit. Most individuals can consume one alcoholic drink an hour without feeling any negative effects. Never drink on an empty stomach and eat food while you’re drinking, preferably food with protein, such as meat, nuts, or cheese. This will prevent you from getting too drunk too quickly.


• Enjoy your drink. Resist the urge to participate in “chugging” or “drinking” games.


• Space our your drinks mindfully, and drink juice and water in between.


• Don’t just sit there! When you’re standing, mingling, or dancing, you’ll drink less overall and remain aware of your state.


• I cannot stress how important it is to not drink and drive. Never let anyone get behind the wheel when they’ve had too much to drunk, including yourself. Protect your friends and loved ones from the dangers of drunk driving. Read Part 2 of my “Drunk Driving Article” for more drunk driving safety.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.