With drunk driving being a leading cause of accidents and legal consequences nationwide, it’s crucial to plan ahead before having any alcoholic beverages. Even if you think you’re in control, your judgment is impaired once you start drinking, making it difficult to make safe decisions about driving. Here’s a guide with practical tips to help you stay safe and avoid the legal and personal consequences of driving under the influence.
1. Choose a Designated Driver Ahead of Time
One of the simplest ways to ensure you don’t drive drunk is to assign a designated driver before going out. A designated driver is someone who commits to staying sober and driving the group home safely. Make a pact with your friends: the designated driver stays alcohol-free for the evening. Rotate who takes on this responsibility so that one person isn’t always sacrificing their fun.
Pro Tip: If you’re the designated driver, enjoy free non-alcoholic perks! Many bars and restaurants offer complimentary sodas or other drinks to designated drivers.
2. Use Public Transportation
If you’re in an urban area, plan to use public transportation. Check bus or train schedules ahead of time and make sure you know the last available routes home. Public transportation can be an easy, safe, and cost-effective way to avoid the temptation of driving after drinking.
Note: Keep cash or a transit card handy for emergencies, as some services might require exact change or a specific pass.
3. Arrange a Ride in Advance
Even if you don’t have a designated driver, you can still avoid driving drunk by arranging a ride in advance. Download rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft and ensure your account is active and ready to use. Consider scheduling a ride ahead of time, especially if you’re heading to a large event where rideshare demand may increase. Alternatively, check if your city has safe ride programs that offer free or discounted rides to prevent drunk driving.
Bonus Tip: Save important numbers, like a taxi service, in your phone contacts so you have a backup plan if ridesharing isn’t available.
4. Book a Hotel or Stay with Friends
Sometimes, the best way to ensure you don’t drink and drive is to eliminate the need to drive home altogether. Book a nearby hotel room or plan to stay overnight with a friend who lives close to the venue. This is a particularly good option for special occasions, like weddings or parties, where you know you’ll be drinking.
Planning Tip: Take advantage of group rates or discounts if several friends are staying at the same hotel.
5. Keep Your Car Keys Inaccessible
If you’re prone to making impulsive decisions when you’ve been drinking, give your car keys to a trusted friend or leave them somewhere out of reach. Alternatively, you can use smart devices, like a key lockbox, to ensure you can’t access your keys easily once you’re impaired.
Mental Trick: Out of sight, out of mind. By removing your keys from your possession, you’re less likely to think about driving home.
6. Eat a Substantial Meal Before Drinking
While having food in your stomach doesn’t prevent you from getting drunk, it can slow the absorption of alcohol, giving you more time to make responsible decisions. A good meal can also make you feel fuller, reducing the temptation to drink excessively.
Pro Tip: Choose meals high in protein and healthy fats, like a burger or avocado toast, to slow alcohol absorption more effectively.
7. Set a Drink Limit and Stick to It
Plan how many drinks you will have before you start your night and commit to that number. Discuss your plan with a friend to help you stay accountable. Remember that standard drinks include a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits.
Helpful Reminder: Space out your drinks over the course of the evening, alternating alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated and alert.
8. Use Alcohol Monitoring Apps
There are apps designed to help you track your alcohol intake and estimate your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. These apps often come with features that alert you when you’re nearing the legal BAC limit and provide warnings about your level of impairment. While these apps aren’t always 100% accurate, they can be a helpful tool for promoting responsible drinking.
App Suggestions: Try apps like AlcoDroid for Android or IntelliDrink for iOS to monitor your drinking.
9. Avoid Drinking Games or Shots
Drinking games and taking shots make it easy to consume a large amount of alcohol quickly, which can impair your judgment faster. If you’re serious about avoiding drunk driving, it’s best to steer clear of activities that encourage binge drinking.
Safety Tip: Sip your drinks slowly and enjoy the social aspects of the gathering without overindulging.
10. Talk to Your Friends About a Plan
Sometimes peer pressure or groupthink can lead to bad decisions. Talk to your friends before you start drinking about your commitment to not drive under the influence. Encourage each other to make smart choices and hold each other accountable.
Open Communication: Let your friends know it’s okay to remind you if you’re tempted to drive. A true friend will want you to stay safe.
Consequences of Drunk Driving
Understanding the severe consequences of driving drunk can also motivate you to plan ahead. Drunk driving doesn’t just risk your safety; it also puts others on the road in danger and carries heavy legal penalties. In Indiana, for example, Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) can lead to fines, license suspension, and even jail time. These consequences can impact your job, relationships, and future opportunities.
For more information on the legal implications, visit Indiana’s government website on OWI laws for up-to-date information on penalties and legal limits.
Final Thoughts
Planning ahead is your best defense against making a dangerous decision to drive drunk. By arranging transportation, setting clear drinking boundaries, and staying informed about the consequences, you’re taking proactive steps to protect yourself and others.
Remember, it only takes one bad decision to change lives forever. Make responsible choices and enjoy your evening safely so you can continue to enjoy your freedom.
Found yourself in DUI trouble?
Contact Rathburn Law today at 317.671.8965 for help with your case. We offer expert help with your defense that only a certified phlebotomist and trial lawyer like Chuck Rathburn can provide.
