Drunk driving is not option and it doesn’t matter how great you think you are at driving. Note that drunk driving not only put your life at risk but also jeopardizes the safety of other drivers on the road.
Remember that driving a car requires a certain amount of concentration that cannot be obtained when drinking or taking other substances in excess.
Just because you have one drink or assume that you are drinking within the legal allowance doesn’t mean that you are fit to drive.
Your ability to sit behind the wheel to get home from a party will be impaired causing you a loss of judgement, not to mention the impact that DUI has on your response time.
For that reason, here are some advices on how to prevent drunk driving next time you are invited to a party or major event.
Refrain from drinking few hours before heading back home
Let’s start by dispelling the popular believe that coffee, exercising, and cold showers reduces the amount of alcohol in your body.
The only remedy to make a person less soberer is time. Note that impairment is caused by the number alcoholic drinks you took within a period of time.
It’s in your best interest to put your beer or wine glass down for few hours prior to leaving the party.
Have you considered public transportation?
Today, it’s easy to just look at your phone and request a cab to pick you up at a selected location without having to be worried about DUI.
Of course, you could always rely on taking a cab, but ridesharing companies are a great choice since you won’t need to walk and find a taxi. All you need is your smartphone and the rest could be handled online.
Other alternatives beside cabs are buses, subways, or trains.
Find accommodation locally
This applies to drivers who are assisting a major event that may end up on a festive celebration full of alcoholic beverages.
Find a hotel or any other affordable accommodation nearby so you don’t put your life at risk whether you are planning on drinking during the event.
A good advice is to book a hotel in advance to ensure there’s room availability.
Choose a designated driver
Whether you are going to an event that serves beer or other alcoholic beverages, you should pick a designated driver who can drive you home.
Your designated driver must be a responsible person who’s not planning to drink and stay sober during the event.
You also need to make sure that your designated driver is someone you fully trust and, more importantly, had a valid driver’s license.
Grab some food while you drink
You are not advised to drink with an empty stomach. In fact, have a bite while drinking as food helps absorb alcohol better.
Solid meals are advisable, especially before starting your drinking session. Interestingly, people tend to drink less after having a substantial meal.
SEE ALSO: Distracted Driving: Is Eating While Driving Dangerous?