The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion. Yet, the greatest cost of all is to the lives of those involved in these accidents. That’s why you keep hearing the statement, “Do not drink and drive”.
Aside from the sad loss of life, car accidents cause short and long-term physical injuries. They cause emotional and psychological trauma, which can affect a person’s daily life. Moreover, they can cause financial setbacks or hinder someone’s ability to work.
Despite these unfortunate consequences, people still downplay the risks of drunk driving. They feel they can handle the drink and that their ability to drive remains intact.
Keep reading to learn better alternatives to drinking and driving.
Do Not Drink and Drive; Do This Instead
There’ve been many strategies used to prevent drunk driving. Some of them include mass media campaigns, drunk driving laws, and sobriety checkpoints. Others are ignition interlocks and administrative license revocation.
If police stop you at a sobriety checkpoint, you can expect to undergo several DUI tests. These include a one-legged stand and a walk and turn test. There’s also the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which deals with eye movement.
Since not everyone can be a teetotaler, people need to know how to stop drinking and driving. Here are the alternative steps you can take:
1. Hire a Cab
This solution is probably responsible for saving many American lives. Most drunk drivers don’t realize how impaired their concentration and reflexes are. With a cab driver, you only need to mention your destination, and they’ll get you there.
As a bonus, you can drink as much as you want without worrying about being arrested. Yet, drink moderately since alcohol has negative effects on your health. If you overdo it, you could suffer alcohol poisoning or even death.
Download a taxi-hailing app on your phone. Or, if you can afford it, you can pay for a chauffeur for the night. Some motor insurance companies also offer car transport services.
2. Choose a Designated Driver
Every time you go out with your group of friends, you should decide who will be the designated driver. The tough part is no one ever wants to get that role. As such, you should set up a system for choosing who will do it.
Unfortunately, being a designated driver is not celebrated as much as it should be. This individual ensures everyone gets home safe and sound. Their sobriety keeps other drivers safe on the road as well.
Moreover, having one person driving means you’ll save money on fuel. You also won’t have to pay for a cab driver.
3. Call a Trusted Friend
Sometimes, you may end up drinking more than you should. Or maybe something you had taken earlier mixes with the alcohol and intoxicates you. If that’s the case, you should call a trusted friend to take you home.
Though your friend may be angry at this unexpected job, they’ll be happy you are safe. They’ll respect you for being responsible rather than risking other drivers’ lives.
Learn More About Legal Issues
This can never be said enough but, “Do not drink and drive”. It is unfair to others as you may cause injuries or death. It’s also unfair to yourself as you may suffer that fate as well.
Contact us to learn more about legal issues and our bail bond services.
