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Preventing your guests from driving drunk

On Behalf of | Oct 26, 2016 | Uncategorized

Drinking during social events is a common behavior that many people engage in. However, this type of social behavior has some serious consequences for those who decide to drive afterward. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “motorists who have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent and higher are affiliated with one out of three traffic deaths.” With the number of drunk driving incidents steadily on the rise, more people need to be informed about the risks of social drinking and driving. To counteract this trend and to make the roads a safer place, you should get involved and take preventative actions to keep your guests from driving drunk.

Serve nonalcoholic beverages

Provide your guests with a variety of nonalcoholic beverages, such as water, juice and soda to choose from. Sometimes people choose to drink more alcohol than they normally would because there are not any other drink selections available for them to quench their thirst. Giving them other options to choose from lowers the chances of them consuming more alcohol.

Provide foods that inhibit alcohol absorption

Encourage your guests to snack and eat while they drink. Food can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, thus lowering a person’s BAC and the effects of the substance on their mental and physical capabilities. Avoid serving salty and dry foods that incite thirst, as this will only encourage your guests to reach for more alcohol.

Provide access to public transportation

Offer anyone who has consumed alcohol at your event an alternative means of transportation to discourage them from driving themselves. Popular options include using public transportation like taxi services and free rideshares. If access to public transportation is not available, choose someone to act as designated driver.

Test everyone for intoxication

Some guests may not be aware that they are intoxicated. After all, not everyone knows their limit. Also, it is not always possible to determine a person’s level of intoxication from their appearance and manner of speech. Ask your guests to take a Breathalyzer before leaving your event to ensure that they are not inebriated and unable to operate their vehicles safely.

In certain situations, it is not always possible for you to keep your guests from attempting to drive while they are inebriated. Do your best to deter any intoxicated people from doing so and contact the authorities if necessary. If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving situation stemming from a social event you’ve hosted, you may want to seek guidance from an attorney.