Drinking and driving is one of the central causes of people dying on the road and is attributed to a significant number of accidents on the road each year. According to the statistics one in three Americans will have a drink driving related incident at least once in their lives and around 12,000 people die each year from alcohol related issues on the road.
Of course, these are only statistics and the reality of dead family members, friends and co-workers can’t be done justice by mere figures. So, here are some tips to prevent driving and drinking.
Designated Driver
The designated driver is the person whose not going to drink and will be sober at the end of the night. If going out with a group of friends, then choose one. If you go out regularly, then rotate the job.
Taxis
There’s no excuse if not then to avoid calling a taxi. Sometimes the designated driver wants a night off and so a taxi or even public transport are a far better option than getting behind the wheel drunk – just don’t do it no matter how ‘sober’ you feel.
Keys
If a person is drunk, then hide their keys. They may get angry, but you’re potentially saving a life.
Party
Often people have parties at home and if it’s you that’s hosting there are plenty of things you can do to prevent issues regarding drinking and driving. Ensure you offer plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives to those not driving. This means guests aren’t under pressure.
Food
Serve food at parties as this can help slow the amount of alcohol the system takes on and limits issues. Stopping serving drink and alcohol before the party ends also allows those who may take the risk to sober up and perhaps even realise that they’re too drunk to drive.
Transport
If you are going to go to another venue after the house, we’d suggest you try and organize alternative transport to avoid people who have had a few drinks offering when the taxi company can’t accommodate everyone, or when there is a wait for a taxi. Often people try and sober up to drive – a bad idea.
How to Spot Drunk Drivers
If you do see drunk drivers then try and avoid them at all costs and stay a good distance back. Here’s how to spot drunk drivers.
- They take wider turns
- They swerve, move across the road and don’t take the normal line sober drivers take
- Almost hitting objects
- Stray across the central line of the road
- Go onto the wrong side of the road
- Stop without a need to cause
- Braking constantly and without need or warning
- Traffic signals are ignored
- Turn abruptly
- Take risks
- Break driving laws
- Drive with headlights off even though it’s dark
This is how to spot and avoid these sorts of drivers and prevent getting entangled in issues with them. If you wish you can also call the police – often not a bad idea.
The risks of drinking and driving are too high to be taken lightly so don’t attempt it.