As much as we don’t like to think that it happens,drinking and driving does occur. Parties and special occasions come up, and you want to have a good time, so you pop open a few beers. Before you know it it’s time to go and you feel fine, so you hop in the car and drive home. Unfortunately, this puts you and many others at risk.
On a daily basis in the United States, 28 people are killed as a result of drunk driving. This is especially shocking because these deaths are extremely preventable. Drinking and driving is not an inevitable tragedy. There are several effective ways to avoid this harmful behavior. Here are three of those to follow so you can help put a stop to drinking and driving.
Leave Your Keys With a Trusted Friend
If you already know you’re going to be drinking at a party, bar, or wherever, then you should make sure you’ve given your keys to someone you can trust. A good friend will not let you get behind the wheel of your car when you have been drinking. The only person who should have access to any vehicle’s car keys is the designated driver.
Download the Uber App
Uber is the modern day taxi service, where users can summon a ride right from their phones. Before a night of fun and drinking ensues, download the app, create your account, upload your payment information, and have everything ready to go. This way, when you’ve already had a few drinks, the choice will be easy and the steps required are already completed.
Get an Ignition Interlock Device
Interlock devices are designed like mini breathalyzers in vehicles. They require the driver to blow into the device to check their BAC levels before the engine can start. If the driver has any alcohol in their system, even if it’s not over the legal limit, the car will not start. This may be the safest way to stop yourself from driving your car after you’ve been drinking.
Drinking and driving is a serious issue. Luckily, there are steps to take to avoid this harmful behavior. Give someone that you trust your keys, make sure Uber is on your phone, and get an interlock device in your vehicle. You will be safe and sound all year round with these tricks.