Being a designated driver is a big deal. It is also a big responsibility. You are choosing to have self control and make sure that your friends get home safely. Keeping a drunk driver off the road will also increase the safety of others on the road as well. Remember these tips on how to be a responsible designated driver (DD).
How-to Be a Responsible Designated Driver: The Benefits and Responsibilities
Benefits
Believe it or not, there are many benefits that come with being a responsible designated driver. First, you will save a lot of money. While all of your friends are spending money on drinks, you will be keeping that money in your pocket. Also, you will not have to pay for transportation home, like splitting a ride-share or paying for a taxi home later. Expenses can really add up quickly during a night out.
On top of that, you will not end up having any of the negative side-effects that come with alcohol. You will not have to worry about what you may have said or did while intoxicated. On top of that, you will not have to wake up with a hangover the next day! While your friends are not feeling great, you will be ready to take on the day. Plus, alcohol can have negative short-term and long-term effects on your health. By avoiding drinking, you will be contributing towards reducing these risks,
Responsibilities
With the benefits also come responsibilities. By being a designated driver, you will be able to feel good knowing that your friends got home safely. However, you will have to make sure that you resist the temptation to drink. Sometimes, people have good intentions and plan on being the DD for the night. However, when they see their friends having a good time, they can not resist in having a drink (or several) too.
When you get on the road, you are putting your own life, plus the lives of your friends and other drivers in your hands. If you can not have self control and resist the temptation to drink, you are not being a responsible designated driver. Even if you feel like you are ‘okay to drive’, there is a good chance you are not. It does not take many drinks to put your BAC over the legal limit. This could lead to you getting into an accident or getting a DWI. If you do end up drinking, choose to find an alternative way to get home. Do not risk your future, or your life or the lives of others.
