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STEP 2: ALTERNATIVES

The next step is figuring out alternatives to drinking and driving... 

NOT DRINKING:

It is illegal in all 50 states for someone to consume alcohol if they are under the age of 21. One of the best ways to avoid drinking and driving is to avoid drinking. Some people think that they have to drink to have fun. If you think that's true try going to a party and not drinking. Sometimes being one of the only sober people at a party can be entertaining. Next time you're at a party before you start drinking look around. It might seem that everyone is drinking but chances are there are people that aren't. 

Ok so lets say you're at a party and you've decided that you're not going to drink but one of your friends is trying to convince you to. Do you drink? If that same friend told you to jump off a bridge would you? Or how about if they told you that you're going to kill an innocent family on your way home tonight. Would you still drink? Peer pressure does exist. It can be hard to overcome but its not impossible. 

If you don't want to drink try using these techniques:

• "I'm not feeling too hot and I don't want to throw up"
• "I don't need to drink to have fun"
• "I drank too much last night, so I'm going to take it easy tonight"
• "I don't really want to look as stupid as you do"

PLANNING:

If you are going to drink its important to plan ahead. You need to decide how your going to get home safely before your brain is intoxicated. Once your brain is intoxicated it will be impossible to make the right decision. The brain functions that are affected when you drink are the same brain functions that you would need to make that decision. Therefore you need to decide how you're going to make it home before you even leave for the party. This is a crucial step because if you decide to wait you will more then likely not make a plan later.

DESIGNATED DRIVER:

Designated drivers (DD's) are a very efficient way to stay safe but its not as easy as it sounds. Some of the problems with using designated drivers is that it takes dedication and responsibility. It is easy for the DD to lose their concentration and decide to "just have one". One drink turns into a couple and then a few and before you know it the DD is just as intoxicated as everyone else. It is important that the DD remains sober. Some people think that its ok if the DD just "drinks less". The problem with drinking less is that the DD will still be intoxicated. Even a few drinks can affect your ability to drive. Also you will need all of your concentration to get a car full of intoxicated people home later. Most states have a zero tolerance law for underage drivers. This makes it illegal for a driver under 21 to drive with any alcohol in their system. So even if you've only had one drink you can still get a DUI and lose your license as well as pay fines of up to $1,500 and have to attend an alcohol treatment program. If you and your friends decide to use a DD system make sure that the DD agrees to not drink any alcohol. Make a plan that is fair and share the responsibility. Take turns being the DD so that someone isn't always forced to be the sober one. If they feel forced they might be less likely to stay sober. If you find yourself in the situation where your DD has been drinking don't go with them. The only thing worse then driving while intoxicated is getting in the car with a driver that is intoxicated. Now your life is in their hands.

CALL SOMEONE YOU TRUST: 

Regardless of who you are there are people that care about you. If you find yourself in the situation where you have been drinking and need to get home you can call someone to come get you. Whether it be a family member or a friend, there is always someone that can come get you. Make sure to plan ahead. If you wait until the last minute you might not be able to find someone that can come get you. Although its easier to plan ahead don't hesitate to call someone even if you haven't. They might not be happy to get a call late in the night but they would rather come get you then go to your funeral. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

Obviously this alternative depends on where you live and your financial situation. Taxi's cost money although some offer a discount for intoxicated people. Riding a bus also comes with its dangers. Walking while you're drunk can be just as dangerous as driving. More than 20% of alcohol related fatalities are intoxicated pedestrians. Just like every alternative it is important to plan ahead. Make sure you have enough money for the taxi or bus before you go out.

SAFE RIDE PROGRAMS: 

Most college campuses offer a safe ride program. They are called different things depending on the school you go to. Basically safe ride programs are like taxi's or busses that will pick you up and take you home free of charge. Check with your school to see what programs they offer.

STAYING WHERE YOU ARE:

If you are drinking at a friends house stay there. It might not be as comfortable as your bed but its more comfortable then a cold metal autopsy table. Talk to your friends before you go to their house and make arraignments to stay. Bring things that you might want later so you don't have an urge to go home once your intoxicated. If you have a party at your house make sure that you allow people to stay there. If someone leaves your party and kills someone on the way home it will be on your conscious for the rest of your life.

HAVE FOOD DELIVERED:

Many people drive intoxicated because they leave to get food. Sometimes drinking can make you hungry. Make sure that there is food where you are drinking so that you wont need to leave. If there isn't food then have some delivered. Get a pizza, or have a sub delivered. Most college towns have restaurants that are open late and deliver late. Find out where these restaurants are and get menus. It might cost you more to have your food delivered but its cheaper then the $10,000+ that you'll be spending on your DUI or the emotional cost that your friends and families will pay after you die.

TAKE THE KEYS: 

If you are having a party make sure to take everyone's keys before they get a drink. Some people even put keys in a fish bowl and then freeze the water so no one can get their keys until the water melts. Whatever you have to do to get peoples keys do it. Drunk people are notorious for slipping out to their car unnoticed and leaving. Trust me if you don't take their keys you will regret it later.

COMMITMENT:

Make a commitment to responsible drinking habits. If you are going to drink then do it safely and convince your friends to do the same. Hang out with people that you know you can trust and that have similar feelings on not drinking and driving. When your group of friends decides as a group to make an effort not to drink and drive you will be far more successful. 

We've only gone over some of the alternatives to drinking and driving. There are hundreds of ways to avoid drinking and driving. The important thing is that you know that alternatives are out there. Find one what works for you and whatever you do, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

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