If you are above the age of 21, there is a good chance that you and/or your friends enjoy weekends out participating in social events. More often than not, alcohol is present at adult events, whether it is a party, a wedding reception, a get-together at a sports game, or a meetup at a local restaurant or bar.
There is nothing inherently wrong with drinking in a public social setting. However, trouble usually arises when men or women attempt to perform a task while under the influence of alcohol. Dangerous stunts and drunken fights can result in moderate injuries, but drunk driving possesses the most potential to cause serious damage to people and property.
Having a designated driver is one of the most effective ways to avoid drunk driving. If you end up becoming your group's designated driver one weekend, be sure to follow these tips to ensure your group’s safe return:
#1: Plan Before Leaving
Proper planning before you leave for your social event is the most critical step of being a responsible designated driver. Take a few minutes before hopping in the car with your friends to discuss the expectations for the night--what time you will arrive at the event, when you will leave, and, most importantly, who will be driving home afterwards. If you will be the designated driver, make sure that everyone clearly understands you will be driving home. If you are not the designated driver, find out who will be and ensure everyone else knows as well.
A clear understanding of how the night will unfold and who the designated driver is will prevent miscommunication and confusion later on in the night.
#2: Ensure the Safety of Your Passengers
Even with a designated driver, car accidents can still happen on the way home, as you will have limited visibility in the dark and may face other drunk drivers on the road. Your passengers will likely be impaired and under the influence at the end of the night. While under the influence, they may forget or ignore basic car safety. Before leaving the event, make sure all passengers are properly seated and are wearing seat belts.
#3: Don't Drink - At All!
As the night progresses, you may be tempted to share a drink with your friends. However, remember that as the designated driver, you have made a promise to stay sober through the night, even if that means refusing "just one" drink. The lives of your inebriated friends will be in your hands on the way home. As a responsible designated driver, you should be in your best driving condition (sober and alert) when the night ends. If you want to drink with your friends, consider changing designated drivers on another weekend.
Drunk driving is a serious problem that can cause devastating effects to all individuals and property involved. If you are a victim of drunk driving, contact Colley & Colley immediately. Our lawyers, well-versed and skilled in personal injury and automobile accidents, will fight for the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact an experienced attorney in Tyler, Texas today.
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