by Tammy-Lee Miller

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: February 11, 2012

The easiest way to prevent a DUI is to not drink. If you like to have a drink then simply don't drink when you drive. If it is not that easy for you to not drink when you go out, then plan ahead. If you are going somewhere where you know there will be alcohol, then make sure you have a back up plan to driving home.

If you drive with friends apoint a designated driver. It is this person's responsibility to not drink or make sure they stay under the legal DUI limit. Designated drivers work well if you are fair and rotate the responsibility.

If having a designated driver is not possible, try and prearrange for someone to pick you up. When this is not an option check out the public transport options and use it where ever possible. If the area is not accessable by public transport try a taxi service.

On the rare occasion that the area is not serviced by a taxi service, predetermine if you can stay over night. This may involve staying at the hosts house, renting a room, or sleeping in the back of your car. This might even be cheaper than the taxi option. Remember if you choose to sleep in your car, park it somewhere close to where you are going but far enough out of the way that you won't be tempted to drive it around the corner to somewhere quieter. Any driving could lead to a possible DUI.

More importantly if you are the type of person who is tempted to drive after a few drinks make sure you give your keys to a responsible person before you start drinking. Make sure that this person and your friendship is strong enough not to crumble when you go through the stages of begging and aggression to get them back.

Most of all remember that drink driving is a choice and that ultimately the choice and the consequences lie with you. Sometimes this is losing your right to drive, sometimes the cost is much higher. When you weigh all these simple options up it is really easy to plan not to drink and save a life. Maybe your own.

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