An arrest and conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be devastating. This puts other drivers at risk, can result in hefty fines and jail time and can ruin a person’s reputation. Such issues can ruin relationships and even result in job loss. No one wants to get in a car crash because they were drunk or have to go to court because they didn’t make alternate arrangements. There are many ways to avoid drunk driving. The following 8 tips will help people prevent DUI/DWIs.
1. Select a Reliable Designated Driver
People who plan on drinking need to select a designated driver who will not drink. It is important that this individual understands the expectations and is trusted to uphold his or her bargain. This driver should understand everyone’s addresses, have a valid license and should have emergency contact information on hand.
2. Uber, Uber, Uber ….
Uber is a convenient, inexpensive and safe taxi service where you hire a private driver to pick you up & take you to your destination with the tap of a button on any smartphone device within minutes. Instead of relying on a designated driver, people should try and use Uber or if more convenient any public transport means like the bus or train. All of these options are easy and affordable ways to get home.
3. Book a Hotel or Sleep Over
When headed out for a New Year’s Eve party or special event, making arrangements to sleep over or to book a hotel room are smart ways to avoid a DUI/DWI. People can thus enjoy the event without worrying about how they will get home.
4. Include Food
Hosts should always have food on hand. This helps guests better absorb alcohol. It is smart to include not just snacks but filling foods like bread. Many people even offer dinner first so that everyone drinking has a full stomach. This ensures that people do not get trashed and then try to drive home.
5. Cut Off the Alcohol Early On
Before the party closes, it is important for hosts to cut off the keg or alcohol supply. This ensures that guests do not get drunk and then try to drive. It is smart to give guests a couple of hours without alcohol so that they do not attempt to drink and drive.
6. Pay Attention to Guests
Responsible hosts will pay attention to who is and is not drunk. If someone has driven to the event and is now drinking, hosts should arrange transportation home or demand that they stay the night so everyone can have breakfast together. This is an easy way to keep drunk drivers off of the road.
7. Call Loved Ones
If a guest is too drunk to drive, it is important to call mutual friends, family members or a significant other to see if they will come and pick up the person. If a party host does this, then the loved one can show up. Someone might protest at first but having the loved one show up curbs too much resistance.
8. Start Early
It is important to start events early so that people can enjoy a drink or two without danger of getting drunk and then driving and getting a DUI/DWI. Party hosts should keep this in mind. When individuals go out for birthday events or happy hour, starting early makes it easier to get home. Public transportation is still up and running, people are awake and there is more time to get sober.
Conclusion
Taking the necessary precautions protects people from DUI/DWIs. No one wants to get on the road and make a life-changing mistake. Designated drivers, public transportation, and smart choices ensure that people do not get on the road after drinking. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry so that people are not hurt, cars are not totaled and so people can avoid jail time, job loss and making a mistake they can’t take back.