When you think of going out with friends for the night, one important question many college students forget to ask themselves is “How am I getting home safely?”

For some college students this question comes a little too late. Most students are unaware of the consequences of driving under the influence.

In the state of Louisiana there are two different types of drinking and driving offenses; driving under the influence, and driving while intoxicated.

Driving under the influence, or DUI is when a person has a 0.08 percent or lower blood alcohol content level.

Some consequences of receiving a DUI can range from getting a ticket and having to appear in court to also having the vehicle impounded.

Driving while intoxicated, or DWI, is when a person has a 0.08 percent or higher blood alcohol content level.

The charges are more serious when receiving this offense, and can result in a heftier fine and jail time.

In Louisiana, any driver with or above at 0.08 percent BAC, is considered to be intoxicated under the law.

Another law in the state of Louisiana states that any persons under the age of 21 with a 0.02 percent BAC who are operating a motor vehicle are subject to harsh penalties.

Rachel Barnes, freshman graphic design major from Dry Prong, doesn’t mind being a designated driver

“Usually I am, because I like to keep my friends safe and they like to drink. Sometimes we switch,” Barnes said.

Other penalties for getting a DUI or DWI can range from a number of charges.

The minimum mandatory action for the state of Louisiana is the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license; the first offense is 90 days without a license.

Students pulled over for driving after drinking will also be forced to attend an alcohol education course.

Emily Bertrand, a sophomore Rad Tech major from Hammond, prefers not to drink altogether.

“I don’t drink because I’ve seen people I care about get hurt from it. It doesn’t bother me. I just make sure they get home safe.”

Whenever Bertrand and her friends go out they have a system so no one has to drink and drive.

“I think people underestimate what they do when they’re drunk and driving,” Bertrand said.

This weekend, drink responsibility, and always designate a driver.