One of the best things you can do for a friend on St. Patrick’s Day is to prevent them from drinking and driving. The upcoming holiday is perhaps one of the busiest for law enforcement officials who say that it is also one of the deadliest. If you find yourself faced with a situation in which a loved one is too tipsy to drive, here are some things you can do:
1. Stay calm. You don’t want to end up in argument with a friend that will have them leaving in a huff. Be non-confrontational but matter-of-fact. Let your friend know that you care about their safety and offer options for their getting home.
2. Suggest alternatives. If you are unable to drive your friend home yourself, offer viable alternatives. You can call a cab, pay for public transportation, or even call a sober friend of family member for your friend.
3. Speak slowly. The person you are trying to talk to is impaired. Speak slowly and clearly. Explain things in a way that you may not if your friend was sober. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Explain it to me like I was a five-year-old”? Now is the time to put that phrase to use.
4. Offer a sleepover. If you are sober and can get your friend home, offer a sleepover. It may be a more attractive option than having them feel as if you don’t trust them to drive themselves home.
5. Get the keys. It is far easier to talk someone out of driving if you are holding on to their keys.
6. Call for backup. It is harder to argue with several people. Enlist a friend for backup when trying to talk your inebriated friend out of getting behind the wheel.
Your goal for St. Patrick’s Day may be to have a good time, but it should also be to get home safely. That can be said for anyone you are celebrating with. Don’t let your friends drink and drive. It may not be fun to be the voice of responsibility, but if you don’t do it, who will?
If you are injured in a car accident in South Carolina, reach out to our team of accident attorneys. We are here for you and will review the details of your case for free. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm.
