You know drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal, but knowing isn’t always enough to prevent it from happening. Impaired judgment is literally part of intoxication. The time to prevent drunk driving is before you start drinking, when your judgment is clear and you can make rational plans.
Keeping all of this in mind, here are several practical strategies that actually work to keep you and your friends from getting behind the wheel after drinking – reducing your risk of DUI and all of the consequences that come with it.
- Designate a Sober Driver
The designated driver system works, but only if you actually commit to it before anyone has their first drink. Once people start drinking, the social pressure and impaired judgment make it much harder to stick to the plan or find someone who is actually sober to drive.
Rotate the designated driver role fairly among your friend group so one person isn’t always stuck sober. If you’re the designated driver this weekend, someone else takes the role next time. This rotation prevents resentment and ensures everyone participates in keeping the group safe.
- Use Rideshare Apps
Uber and Lyft have eliminated the most common excuse for drunk driving – not having another way to get home. These services are available in most areas at most hours.
Set up rideshare accounts and payment methods before you go out. And don’t let cost deter you from using these apps when you’ve been drinking. A twenty-dollar ride home is nothing compared to the thousands in legal fees, fines, and increased insurance costs from a DUI. (Not to mention the risk of causing an accident that injures or kills someone.)
- Hand Over Your Keys at the Start of the Night
Physical control of your keys makes drunk driving easier to rationalize in the moment. When the keys are in your pocket and you’ve been drinking, the mental gymnastics begin – “I only had three drinks,” “That was hours ago,” “I drive better when I’m buzzed.” Remove this temptation by surrendering your keys before you start drinking.
Give your keys to the designated driver or a sober friend, rather than keeping them yourself. This simple barrier prevents “drunk you” from making decisions that “sober you” would never make.
If you’re drinking at home before going out, leave your keys at home. Don’t even bring them to the bar or party where they become accessible later.
- Arrange Overnight Plans in Advance
Many drunk driving incidents happen when people convince themselves they need to get home rather than just staying where they are. Planning sleeping arrangements beforehand eliminates this pressure.
If you’re attending a party or event where heavy drinking is likely, arrange to stay over before you go. Ask the host if you can crash on their couch or book a nearby hotel room that’s within walking distance. Making these arrangements while sober means you’ll have a safe place to sleep.
- Use Public Transportation When Available
In cities with good public transit, use it. Trains and buses don’t require sobriety, and they’re often more convenient than dealing with parking anyway. Plan your evening around public transit schedules so you know when the last trains or buses run.
If public transit stops running before you’re ready to leave, have a backup plan like rideshare already identified. Whatever you do, don’t leave yourself in a situation where you miss the last train with no alternative.
- Be Willing to Step In and Say Something
You have a responsibility to stop friends from driving drunk even when it’s uncomfortable or creates conflict. Real friends prevent each other from making dangerous decisions with potentially fatal consequences.
Be direct and tell your friends, “You’ve been drinking and you’re not driving.” This is clearer and more effective than hints or suggestions. Take their keys if necessary. Yes, they might be angry, but they’ll be alive and not facing criminal charges.
- Challenge Yourself to Drink Less
The most reliable way to avoid drunk driving is drinking less alcohol in the first place. You don’t need to get drunk to enjoy hanging out with your friends. Moderate drinking keeps you in better control of your decisions and makes getting home safely much simpler.
You might also consider not drinking at all. Being the sober one ensures everyone else makes it home safely. (It also means you feel better in the morning.) Social pressure to drink is real, but you’re an adult capable of making your own choices. You don’t owe anyone explanations for drinking less or not at all.
It’s Time to Get Serious
Every single one of these strategies is easy and affordable. While it might feel a little awkward or strange the first time you try something new like this, you’ll end up being much safer – and that’s a positive for everyone who loves you!
Leave a Reply