Alcohol impairs judgment, which is why people believe they can still drive safely even when intoxicated. They get behind the wheel and due to their excessive alcohol consumption, they break speed limits and run past stoplights. Alcohol diminishes a person’s reaction time. They would not be able to react immediately to a car that suddenly stops in front of them or to a pedestrian crossing the street. Yet people continue to drink and drive despite the harrowing consequences.
Drunk drivers cause critical injuries and severe property damage. In many cases, they even cause wrongful death. Here are ways to prevent such accidents from happening to you or someone you know.
Always appoint a designated driver
If you are planning to drink, make sure you are not alone and that one of your friends is willing to drink less for the benefit of the many. Although, it would be better if they did not drink at all. The designated driver should remain sober so they can bring you and everyone in your friend group home. You can take turns taking on the driver role or choose the most responsible person.
Eat before you drink
The rate of intoxication is significantly slower when you eat food, specifically dense carbohydrates, protein and fats. When you drink alcohol on an empty stomach, your body absorbs the alcohol into the bloodstream faster. Your blood alcohol content tends to spike, and you feel the effects of drunkenness.
Know your limits
Whether you are drinking alone or with friends, it is always advisable to know your limit. You should know much alcohol you have already consumed and compare it to your usual amount before feeling intoxicated. Remember to pace yourself. People metabolize alcohol at different rates, so you do not have to take a shot whenever your friend takes one. A good standard is one unit of alcohol every hour.
Find another way home
You always have the option to call a cab or take some other form of public transit. But do not ride home with someone who has also been drinking. Riding with a drunk driver is just as dangerous as driving yourself home while intoxicated.
Spend the night
If you expect to drink a lot, you can consider drinking at a friend’s or relative’s house so you can sleep over. Similarly, you could invite your drunk friend to sleep at your place to prevent them from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Wait until you are sober
The safest choice would be to wait until you sober up and drink lots of water. You would not have to depend on anyone else but yourself.
There are many ways to prevent drunk driving. Therefore, it is inexcusable when a drunk person causes personal injury or death because they decided to drive despite their intoxication. If you are going to drink, avoid driving. If you are going to drive, avoid drinking.