Most people understand that drinking and driving is a very bad thing to do. However, there are some people out there who have no problem committing the illegal and dangerous act. Some of these people may even be close to you. You care about these friends and want them to stop, but you don’t know how to do that.
The first step is to talk to your friend, especially if it looks like he may be getting too drunk. Try to do this before they are too drunk to listen, or have become belligerent. Let him know that you don’t think he should be driving. In some instances, you may want to try and take his keys. No matter what, be prepared for him to argue and say some rude things to you. Even if this happens, try to stay firm but friendly so you don’t come across as being too parental.
Sometimes the best thing to do is have a true heart to heart talk with your friend. Tell them how you really feel about the situation. How heartbroken you would be if they got into an accident and hurt themselves or someone else. Your sincerity could be exactly what your friend needs to hear in order to not drive drunk.
Some other things that you can do to prevent your friend from driving drunk, simply involves you taking action, with or without your drunk friends permission.
You could do any of the following:
- Assign a designated driver (DD) for the night.
- Call a cab for the friend.
- Convince your friend to spend the night at your house if the party is in your home.
- Drive the friend home yourself, provided you aren’t drunk as well.
- Take away the drunk friend’s keys.
- Use public transportation to get your friend home.