Safe Transportation Options for Holiday Parties
Champagne, brandy eggnog, mulled wine, hot buttered rum punch—holiday parties mean festive drinks and plenty of them. Unfortunately, there’s nothing festive about a drunk driving arrest that could result if you don’t plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Law enforcement agencies across the United States arrest more suspected drunk drivers between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than any other time of year. An average Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offense can cost upwards of $10,000 (even more, if you injure yourself, another person or property), and can also include the loss of your driver’s license and jail time.
Surprisingly, even one or two drinks at that holiday party can impair your ability to drive. Several factors, including what you’ve eaten that day, how tired you are, whether you’re upset, etc., can magnify the effects even a small amount of alcohol can have on your mind and body. The best thing you can do is to plan ahead for a safe ride home if you know you’re going to have a drink. Here are some safe ride options to consider:
Designated Driver. This could be a friend, co-worker, a significant other or a parent. But keep in mind, a designated driver is a sober driver who has not consumed any amount of alcohol—not the one who is the “least drunk” in the group!
Ridesharing Service. A ridesharing service, such as Uber, Lyft or Sidecar, can pick you and take you home, all by downloading an easy-to-use app on your smartphone. Sign up for the service before you go out, as you’ll have to set up your account and enter payment information. Then depending on the area you’re in and how many drivers are available, you may be able to be picked up within minutes of requesting the service.
#TAXI. This is another easy option—just dial #8294 on your mobile phone and you’re automatically connected to the first available cab in your area, as long as it’s an area that has taxi service.
Public transportation. Some cities offer free public transportation on certain holidays. Check the rules and schedule for your local transportation system, and see what your city is offering for New Year’s Eve.
AAA’s Holiday Safe Ride Program. This program coordinates free rides home on select dates and in select areas for both members and nonmembers. However, keep in mind that AAA is not a national operation (make sure you check out the listing of cities that participate in the program), and it’s meant to be used as a last resort. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP if you need a safe ride home.
Plan to drive home the next day. If you know you’ll want to drive yourself home, then plan ahead to do it when you’re sober. Book a hotel room near your festivities, or if you’ll be attending a party at a friend or family member’s house, ask in advance if you can crash there, if needed. Then drive yourself home safely the next day.
Remember, any of these options, no matter how much they cost, are far less expensive than how much you’d pay for an OWI conviction, including things you can’t put a price tag on—your own life and safety, and the safety of others.
