Top 10 Tips on Preventing DUI/DWI

An arrest and conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be devastating. This puts other drivers at risk, can result in hefty fines and jail time and can ruin a person’s reputation. Such issues can ruin relationships and even result in job loss. No one wants to get in a car crash because they were drunk or have to go to court because they didn’t make alternate arrangements. There are many ways to avoid drunk driving. The following 10 tops will help people prevent DUI/DWIs.

1. Select a Reliable Designated Driver

People who plan on drinking need to select a designated driver who will not drink. It is important that this individual understands the expectations and is trusted to uphold his or her bargain. This driver should understand everyone’s addresses, have a valid license and should have emergency contact information on hand.

2. Use Public Transportation

Public transportation is important when people go out drinking. Instead of relying on a designated driver, people should try and take the bus, train or invest in a taxi. All of these options are easy and affordable ways to get home.

3. Book a Hotel or Sleep Over

When headed out for a New Year’s Eve party or special event, making arrangements to sleep over or to book a hotel room are smart ways to avoid a DUI/DWI. People can thus enjoy the event without worrying about how they will get home.

4. Hide or Take a Person’s Keys

If the temptation to drive is there, people should hand over their keys once they start driving. If a loved one is drinking and thinks he or she is driving, people should “hold” or take their keys to protect them. People often think they are invincible. Hiding a person’s keys removes the temptation to drive.

5. Alternative Drinks

Party hosts can do smart things to prevent guests from drinking and driving or getting DUI/DWIs. For example, it is important to have a host of drink alternatives like water, soda and juice on hand. This ensures that designated drivers have something to sup on, and it helps cancel out all of the alcohol.

6. Include Food

Hosts should always have food on hand. This helps guests better absorb alcohol. It is smart to include not just snacks but filling foods like bread. Many people even offer dinner first so that everyone drinking has a full stomach. This ensures that people do not get trashed and then try to drive home.

7. Cut Off the Alcohol Early On

Before the party closes, it is important for hosts to cut off the keg or alcohol supply. This ensures that guests do not get drunk and then try to drive. It is smart to give guests a couple of hours without alcohol so that they do not attempt to drink and drive.

8. Pay Attention to Guests

Responsible hosts will pay attention to who is and is not drunk. If someone has driven to the event and is now drinking, hosts should arrange transportation home or demand that they stay the night so everyone can have breakfast together. This is an easy way to keep drunk drivers off of the road.

9. Call Loved Ones

If a guest is too drunk to drive, it is important to call mutual friends, family members or a significant other to see if they will come and pick up the person. If a party host does this, then the loved one can show up. Someone might protest at first but having the loved one show up curbs too much resistance.

10. Start Early
It is important to start events early so that people can enjoy a drink or two without danger of getting drunk and then driving and getting a DUI/DWI. Party hosts should keep this in mind. When individuals go out for birthday events or happy hour, starting early makes it easier to get home. Public transportation is still up and running, people are awake and there is more time to get sober.

Taking the necessary precautions protects people from DUI/DWIs. No one wants to get on the road and make a life-changing mistake. Designated drivers, public transportation, and smart choices ensure that people do not get on the road after drinking. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry so that people are not hurt, cars are not totaled and so people can avoid jail time, job loss and making a mistake they can’t take back.

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