By: Jack Riewe
Friends should have each other’s back, especially when it comes to keeping them safe. Encouraging your friends to have a fun night — safe. Allowing your friends to drive impaired — not safe. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. According to the Ad Council, someone is killed every 52 minutes in an alcohol related incident. That’s three to five people every night you go out to a bar or party with your friends. Your objective is don’t let your friend be that person, while still having a good time.
One of the best ways to avoid driving drunk while going out is to plan ahead. I’ve learned that finding a place you can walk is invaluable to a drinking experience. Even using a ride-sharing service to get you to a central location so you can walk to multiple locations is a better idea than the possibility of driving drunk at the end of the night. Say the party is out in the middle of nowhere, you should be texting your friends to organize a DUDE that morning or even the night before. One of the most fun things about going out is the journey to get there. Be creative and avoid putting your friends in dangerous positions to get you to a party.
In time as a 21-year-old, I’ve learned that after drinking a person can become more stubborn and feel invincible. There’s a common phrase I keep hearing around my campus that goes, “drunk people don’t get caught.” While there maybe instances where you’ve gotten away with something while being drunk, the logic can’t be applied to every time you’re intoxicated. All you have to do is think about the possible consequences about driving drunk, which include death, destruction of your car, or a DUI. Like I said, plan ahead so there isn’t the possibility of driving while drunk and you have to call an Uber or walk home. If your friend insists on driving after a few drinks, it might be time to put a gentle hand on their shoulder and say, “DUDE, I’ve got your back.”
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