Statistics don’t do justice to the pain and loss suffered by drunken driving victims and their families – the parents who have lost children, husbands and wives who have lost their spouses, kids who have lost their parents. This is why it is so important to be a sensible driver.
So what are some things you can do to prevent drinking and driving?
When Drinking Alcohol
- Be responsible.
- Choose a designated driver. Decide who’s going to be doing the driving before you go out, and make sure that person doesn’t drink any alcoholic beverages.
- Call a taxi. Sometimes even the designated driver slips. If nobody in your group is sober, take alternate transportation. Taxi, train, bus, horse and buggy – anything’s better than getting in the car with a drunk driver.
- Hide keys. Don’t be afraid to take someone’s car keys. If the person gets angry, it’s probably proof you’re doing the right thing.
When Throwing a Party
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages. Water, juice, soda pop – give your guests plenty of alternatives. And never pressure guests to drink alcohol.
- Serve plenty of food. A full stomach can slow the rate of alcohol absorption. Serve a great meal or have plenty of appetizers on hand.
- Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends. Give your guests an extra hour or two without alcohol before they head out the door.
- Arrange alternate transportation. Pay attention to your guests’ alcohol intake and behaviour. If someone has had a lot to drink or seems even the slightest bit tipsy, call a cab or set up a ride with a sober driver.
- Never serve minors.
Detecting Drunk Drivers Law enforcement officials say there are several signs associated with drunk driving:
- Making wide turns
- Weaving, swerving, drifting, or straddling the centre line
- Almost striking an object or vehicle
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving at a very slow speed
- Stopping without cause
- Braking erratically
- Responding slowly to traffic signals
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Driving after dark with headlights off