Without question, not drinking and driving keeps you and everyone else safer on the road. Besides the possibility of injury, getting behind the wheel while intoxicated brings with it the potential for legal consequences.
Fortunately, simple strategies improve the odds of remaining a responsible motorist.
Strategy 1. Plan for transportation
Before going out and imbibing, identify a safe way to get home. A good idea is to arrange a taxi or ride-sharing service to pick you up at an appointed time. Alternatively, public transportation can be a good solution. Having travel arrangements in advance ensures there is no temptation to drive drunk.
Strategy 2. Set a drink limit
Partiers can decide how many drinks they will consume before the event and pace themselves, thus making it easier to stay in control. Knowing one’s threshold and staying within it is a good way of reducing the risk of danger.
Strategy 3. Choose alcohol-free events
Consider opting for social activities that do not revolve around drinking. Many recreational gatherings do not involve alcohol and are as much fun or even more so than those that do.
Strategy 4. Consume non-alcoholic alternatives
Many bars and restaurants offer a variety of mocktails, non-alcoholic beers and other all-ages drinks. Occasionally, peers may apply pressure to switch to an adult beverage. Discussing the consequences of causing a motor vehicle accident because of drinking is usually enough to silence such individuals.
Each of these methodologies for staying sober makes it easier to avoid getting into a wreck. The chances of arriving home without incident are even higher when society actively encourages a culture of sobriety.