Drinking and driving is a dangerous and potentially deadly combination that can result in devastating consequences for both the driver and other innocent individuals on the road. The good news is that there are numerous effective ways to prevent drinking and driving and avoid the negative outcomes that can result from this dangerous behavior. One key preventative measure is to secure the right insurance coverage, such as that offered by Freeway Insurance, which can help protect drivers and their passengers from financial losses in the event of an accident. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective strategies for preventing drinking and driving and discuss how Freeway Insurance can provide added peace of mind for drivers.
6 Ways to Prevent Drinking and Driving
Individually, you can pledge to never drink and drive. You can also play a role in stopping others from drinking and driving if you are having guests over to your home. If you are out for a night of fun and you notice that someone in your group is too drunk to drive, there are some steps you can take. In the end, all of us can play a part in stopping the alarming statistics surrounding driving while impaired.
Driving drunk is a serious problem. Any time you drive intoxicated, you risk your freedom. Being convicted of DUI/DWI can result in jail time, losing your license, fines, and higher car insurance rates. More important, though, are the safety risks. We all know how dangerous drinking and driving can be, yet drunk driving accidents remain common – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes. That’s one person every 45 minutes.
Statistics like these make it clear that all of us need to do our part when it comes to drinking and driving prevention. So what can we do to ensure that we and our loved ones stay safe during celebrations? If you drive while intoxicated or under the influence, you’ll be spending a large portion of your salary every month on DUI car insurance. Once you are labeled a high-risk driver, it is much harder to find insurance companies that offer DUI solution coverage.
Here are 5 ways each of us can make an impact on stopping drunk driving.
1. Plan Ahead
When you’re out enjoying a few drinks with friends, it’s easy to tell yourself that you feel ok to drive. Unfortunately, even after just one or two, you are not in the best position to judge. Alcohol impairs normal judgment, so trusting yourself to make smart choices when you’ve been drinking is a recipe for problems. Even though you feel ok, those couple of drinks are enough to affect your driving. Impaired driving is always dangerous, even if you don’t think you’re drunk.
The best way to prevent this type of problem is to plan how you’ll get home before you go out. Instead of relying on your own questionable judgment, keep yourself safe by having a plan. That could mean walking home, taking a cab, or getting a ride with a non-drinking friend. If you’ve already decided how you’ll get home, you won’t be as tempted to drive later.
2. Have a Designated Driver
One of the most common choices to avoid the temptation of drinking and driving is to have a sober driver. This doesn’t mean a driver who drinks less than the passengers; it means someone who will not drink at all. If you have friends who don’t drink, they are often your best choice. Another option is to take turns being the designated driver among your group of friends. Regardless, if your planned driver decides to drink, find a new driver or call a taxi or rideshare. Having a designated driver is one of the most effective ways to prevent drinking and driving.
3. Use a Ride Sharing Service or a Taxi
If you don’t have a designated driver, this is your next best option. Services like Uber and Lyft have made it easy to get a ride whenever you need one. If you live in a city with good taxi service, it should be easy to flag down a cab. There is very little excuse for driving intoxicated when these options are available.
In many states, getting convicted of DUI means filing an SR-22 certificate with the state. Insurance companies know that anyone who has to file an SR-22 is a high-risk driver and they will charge you more – if they choose to insure you at all.
4. Stay Where You Are Instead of Drinking and Driving
If you’re drinking at someone’s home, you might ask the host if you can sleep for a while before you head home. If you’re out at a bar, switch to non-alcoholic drinks and stick around until you sober up. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need about an hour for each alcoholic drink you’ve had. If you don’t have time to wait it out, look for another option.
5. Stopping DUI When You Are the Host
If you’re throwing a party, you should consider drunk driving prevention one of your responsibilities. This is not just the considerate and responsible thing to do; it can prevent legal trouble as well. If one of your guests has an accident while driving home from your house, you could be held liable. So keep an eye on your guests, pay attention to who’s drinking, and be aware when someone seems like they may have had too much. Don’t be afraid to take someone’s keys – they’ll probably resist and might get a bit angry, but they’ll probably appreciate it the next day.
Be sure to serve food as well, since it will help to slow the absorption of alcohol. Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available. If you have games or other non-drinking activities, this can also help to slow people’s drinking.
6. Public Transportation Can Be An Option
Public transportation is a safe and reliable option for individuals who have had too much to drink and want to avoid driving under the influence. Drinking and driving can have severe consequences, not only for the individual but also for others on the road. Public transportation, such as buses, trains, and taxis, can provide a convenient and affordable alternative to driving. By using public transportation, individuals can ensure that they arrive at their destination safely and avoid putting themselves and others at risk. Moreover, public transportation can also help to reduce the number of drunk driving incidents, which can ultimately lead to a safer and more responsible community. In conclusion, if you plan on drinking, it’s essential to plan ahead and consider using public transportation as a way to stay safe and prevent any potential harm caused by drunk driving. Remember there’s always ways to prevent drinking and driving.
Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Promoting safe driving habits is critical to preventing accidents and injuries on the road. One of the most important ways to promote safe driving habits is by preventing drinking and driving. This can be achieved by several measures, such as providing education and awareness campaigns on the dangers of drinking and driving, increasing law enforcement and penalties for drunk driving, encouraging the use of designated drivers, and promoting alternative transportation options like ride-sharing services. It’s also essential to provide support and resources for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, as well as their families and loved ones. By promoting safe driving habits and preventing drinking and driving, we can help ensure safer roads for everyone.
Find Affordable Car Insurance Online Today and Stay Safe
It is crucial to ensure road safety and find ways to prevent drinking and driving – and it is a collective responsibility. The best way to prevent drunk driving is by keeping intoxicated drivers off the road, which can significantly reduce the risk of fatal accidents. Every individual can contribute to this effort by planning ahead and finding ways to stay safe, not only during the holiday season but all year round.
Part of being safe on the road involves having proper insurance coverage. Freeway Insurance offers great car insurance coverage at the lowest possible rates – even if you’ve had tickets, an accident, or DUI. Request a free car insurance quote online or over the phone at 800-777-5620. You are also welcome to stop in one of our many locations.
