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Simple tips to prevent a DUI

Back maybe forty years ago, drinking and driving wasn't seen as an issue and people did it all the time. Twenty years ago, DUI started to be seen as a real problem and people realized that this is a punishable crime, never mind something that could kill someone. Today, forget about it. You can't drink and drive. You just can't. The penalties have gotten so harsh, that even first time offenders are going to go to jail and pay heavy, heavy fines. It's not worth the risk anymore.

Now this present a problem for my buddies and me since we love to go out to bars, see bands, watch sports and get hammered. The notion of a 'designated driver' doesn't really work for us, since none of us ever wants to be that person. So what do we do?

1. Cab it. People say, "that's too expensive," but let's break it down. You have no worries about DUI or paying potential thousands in fines, insurance increases and lawyer/court costs. You put no wear and tear on your vehicle. You don't burn any of your gasoline. With cell phones now, it's so easy to call the cab company, wherever you end up. Finally, if you cab it, you tend to party a little extra harder than usual. That's never a bad thing, right?

2. Crash at a friend's house. When we go downtown to see shows, we have one buddy that lives within walking distance of the club. No extra bedroom but there is a couch and floor space. We drive to the place before we start drinking. Pre-party there and then drive home sober the next morning. It's an adventure yet it's safe. Bring extra pillows.

3. Walk. We have three 'locals' within two miles of our place. If two miles each way seems like two miles too many, take one car there and leave it overnight. Walking home a couple of miles drunk really isn't that bad. You sleep better and sweat off some hangover. The next day, someone drives you back to get your vehicle. Since you're are walking in a group, it's not that bad or dangerous. Avoid ditches, though.

4. Party at home and invite your friends over. No one drives home until the next morning. Sometimes this ends up being the most fun of all. Just try not to be too loud, but if you are, then make sure your neighbors come over to drink with you. Who knows? Maybe one of them could be a potential 'designated driver'. Although, if they are like my neighbors, then they probably party even harder than you.

Hopefully, some of these tips will work for you. Have fun. Be safe. Keep on drinking.

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