The problem with driving under the influence is that it doesn’t just affect you. There are so many other people that are negatively impacted every time someone is driving while intoxicated. Especially if they cause an accident of some kind. If you are caught driving under the influence, even if no one has been hurt yet, you will have a whole load of issues that you will have to deal with. Between DUI lawyers, fines and consequences, you’ll wish you had just been responsible in the first place. Here are a few ways that you can make sure that you are being responsible when it comes to drinking and having a good night out and avoid any traffic violations.
Don’t Drink
The best thing to do is just not drink. If you don’t drink, you can’t end up driving under the influence, right? Well, while this might be the best thing to do, it’s understandable that not everyone is always able to do this. However, if you know that you have a problem with drinking too much, you should really show some self restraint and choose activities that do not involve having to drink in order to have fun. There are plenty of things that you could do when you go out that on’t mean that you have to drink.
Designate a Driver
If you are going to be heading out to an event or a party where there is going to alcohol consumption, you could pick someone in the group who is not going to drink so that they can take care of everyone and be the driver for that night. If you regularly go out in the same group, it’s a good incentive for everyone to switch turns. That way, everyone learns to trust one another and doesn’t have a problem with being the designated driver. Of course if you have a pregnant lady in your group or someone taking medication for pain then they won’t be drinking anyway so they are the perfect choice for the designated driver.
Give Away Your Keys
Before you even get to the party or start drinking, you could give your keys to the person that is going to be driving. This way you don’t inadvertently drive drunk. Once you are already drinking, you may think that you are perfectly capable and in control and able to drive but the truth is you are not. Even one or two drinks can slow your reaction time which makes it dangerous to drive even if you don’t feel drunk.
Take Alternative Transportation
There are plenty of ways that you could get to and from parties without having to take your car at all. From public transportation like buses, trains, taxis, uber drivers to private transportation like hiring a limo or a party bus, there’s no reason for you to even take your car at all. This way, not only are you not tempted to drive but you don’t chance losing your car or not remembering what happened to it when you wake up the next morning.
Line Up Someone to Call
You could also set up someone to call when you are ready to leave the party. This person should be a responsible person that is not going to be drinking elsewhere during the night. This way, when you call them for a ride home, they will be completely sober and able to get you home safe and sound without putting anyone else in danger. Of course, you’ll have to remember to call them, depending on how drunk you get. A better idea might be to set up a time when they come and get you from the party without you even having to call.
Not driving under the influence is not only smart but you are doing a favor to everyone around you. The people who you are driving with could be hurt as well as other drivers, pedestrians and their families. Your reaction times and decision making abilities are much less when you have been drinking so just keep this in mind the next time that you are headed out to a party. It’s better to make right decision when you are still sober so that everyone can stay safe if you plan on getting drunk.