We all have an important role to play in preventing drunk driving. Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing not to drink at social events, having a designated driver, or arranging your transportation ahead of time. But when it comes to stopping someone you know from driving under the influence, this might be easier said than done.
The personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe recognize that we each have the ability to keep drunk drivers off the road. It may not always be comfortable to challenge your friends and loved ones, but it might just save them a DUI charge or more importantly, their life. Keep these strategies in mind the next time someone you know tries to drive drunk.
Strategies for Preventing Drunk Driving
Simply taking away somebody’s car keys may not always be realistic. Someone who is even slightly impaired or full-blown intoxicated may not always be thinking clearly and may not recognize that they aren’t in the best state to get behind the wheel. Treat these situations with delicacy and make your goal to acquire their car keys without causing harm to yourself or others.
Collect Guests’ Car Keys at the Door
If you’re hosting a get-together or party at your place, one way to avoid a confrontation is by collecting the car keys of all your guests as they arrive. By the end of the night when people start leaving, they’ll have to check in with you before they can get their keys back.
Offer a Place to Crash
Many drunk drivers are motivated by the desire to go home and get to bed. If this is the case, offer to let your friend crash on your couch or in a guest room. If you’re hosting, let your guests know ahead of time that they are welcome to sleep over if they need to. Some people may feel obligated to leave at the end of a party, whether they are sober or not. This can result in a deadly car accident.
Suggest Another Method of Transportation
If someone has made up their mind about going home, suggest alternate methods of transportation. Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft make it easier than ever to get home quickly and conveniently. You can also contact a sober friend or two to come pick them and their vehicle up. Public transit, when available, is also a good option for preventing drunk driving.
Avoid Public Confrontations
No one likes to feel ganged up on. Ask an intoxicated person for their keys away from large groups, which may be a source of embarrassment. Remember that information may be more difficult to comprehend to someone who is under the influence and explain that you just want to make sure that they get home safely without hurting themselves or others. It may be helpful to have another person there for moral support—they may be more willing to listen if another person agrees with you.
Stall the Situation
Despite the many supposed ways to sober someone up, the only real cure for drunkenness is time. If you can stall your friend for an hour or two with some friendly conversation (and no more booze), they may be able to sober up enough to eventually safely drive themselves home. If you go this route, make sure you keep an eye on the person so they don’t drink any more alcohol before leaving.
If all else fails and you are unable to stop a drunk person from getting behind the wheel, calling law enforcement is a logical last ditch effort. Many states offer a toll-free hotline for reporting drunk drivers. Make sure you give as much information about the driver as you can, including a physical description, their name, license plate number, and the direction they are traveling. You can remain anonymous in these calls, and making the call just might save a life.
For more information on preventing drunk driving and seeking help for alcohol abuse, visit Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) or American Addiction Centers.
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one were hit by a drunk driver and sustained injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. The car accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe can help make sure that you receive a fair and full settlement. Our lawyers have more than 270 years of combined experience winning outstanding settlements for injury victims across the country. Take the first step towards the just you deserve and contact us today.
Drunk driving accident victims and their families can schedule their free, no obligation consultation by calling 844-977-1900. Representatives are also standing by 24/7 via our online LiveChat service. Alternatively, you can submit the details of your personal injury case using this secure contact form. Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today to learn how we can help.