People skip the designated driver plan for a variety of reasons: maybe you don’t want to leave your car overnight, are trying to avoid the cost or wait of a rideshare, or maybe you simply don’t feel impaired. Because alcohol affects the same judgment you would use to assess your ability to drive, these decisions can be harder to make accurately in the moment. That’s why it helps to decide on a designated driver before drinking starts, not partway through the night. If your plans involve alcohol, take a few minutes ahead of time to figure out the ride home.
Table of Contents:
- Why Designated Drivers Matter
- How to Find a Designated Driver
- How to Stick to the Plan as a Designated Driver
- Designated Driver FAQs
Why Designated Drivers Matter
Every year, nearly 32 people in the U.S. die in drunk-driving accidents. That’s one death every 44 minutes. Designated drivers, also referred to as DDs, help prevent these impaired-driving accidents, protecting passengers, motorists, pedestrians, and entire communities. The role goes beyond just getting a group home: it removes the need to make a safety decision at a point when judgment may already be impaired.
How to Find a Designated Driver
Abstaining from consuming alcohol at a social gathering can be tough for some, especially if you’re the life of the party and aren’t used to being the sober one. If you aren’t able to take the wheel after a night out, here are effective ways to find a designated driver:
- Select a designated driver beforehand: This is undoubtedly the most cost-effective way to get a DD. If you’re planning a group outing, choose your driver in advance. Select someone who is reliable, has a valid driver’s license, and can avoid the temptation of having a drink.
- Use a ride-sharing app: Services such as Uber and Lyft let you request an on-demand ride to a specific destination using your smartphone. If you decide to use a ride-share service, consider using it to and from your location. Doing so can eliminate the temptation to drive while intoxicated or the hassle of having to get your car later.
- Use a professional designated service: Services such as Jeevz and Dryver can dispatch a professional driver to you. If you want a driver to drive you to your destination in your personal car, they’re a better option than ride-sharing apps.
- Check the National Directory of Designated Driver Services (NDDDS): It’s an invaluable resource for finding drive-me-home providers in your area.
Did your plan for a designated driver fall through? There are other options to get home safely. Learn more about safe rides for impaired drivers.
How to Stick to the Plan as a Designated Driver
Volunteering to be the designated driver is the easy part, but sticking to the plan throughout the night is where it counts. It’s important to take your responsibility seriously and make sure everyone else gets home safely before you call it a night yourself. Here are some tips to help you stay committed:
- Make the decision early: Alcohol affects decision-making. So, select a designated driver before anyone starts drinking alcohol rather than choosing the ”least drunk person” when you want to leave.
- Set firm departure times: Agree on precisely when you’ll leave and when you’ll meet your companions at the end of the night. This will ensure you don’t have to frantically search for them when you’re ready to go home.
- Eat a large meal: Have a satisfying meal in advance, so you aren’t tempted to imbibe.
- Sit strategically: Secure a table or space away from the bar so you aren’t distracted by it or tempted to order an alcoholic drink.
- Order a fun N/A drink: Order a club soda with lime, a mocktail, or a non-alcoholic beer. You’ll blend in with the crowd, still have something to sip on, and won’t feel like you’re missing out on the social experience.
- Stay occupied: Play darts or pool, dance, or socialize with those around you. There’s plenty of fun to be had that has nothing to do with what’s in your glass.
- Have a contingency plan: Things don’t always go according to plan. So, keep the option of using a ride-sharing app open in case you need an alternative form of transportation. Changing plans is always a better option than risking your safety.
H2 Designated Driver FAQs
What is a Designated Driver?
The specific definition of a designated driver can vary, but at a basic level, it is someone who abstains from consuming alcohol or other impairing substances during social gatherings. The primary responsibility of a DD is to remain completely sober to drive others home safely.
If you’re the designated driver, this may just mean ordering a mocktail when your friends order a round. However, in some groups, the DD may also be tasked with watching over others and ensuring everyone gets into the vehicle safely after a social gathering.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Designated Driver?
Volunteering as a designated driver can save lives by preventing drunk-driving accidents, which result in thousands of fatalities annually. Beyond promoting safety, it offers perks like avoiding hangovers, saving money on alternative transportation, and even enjoying free non-alcoholic drinks at establishments with designated driver programs.
Additionally, as the DD, you’ll earn the trust of your friends, family, and colleagues while helping create a safer experience for everyone in your group.
Can a Designated Driver Have One Drink?
Ideally, a designated driver shouldn’t consume any alcohol. While you might feel like you can still drive after one drink, consuming even just one drink can impair your coordination and judgment.
Can a Person With a Permit Be a Designated Driver?
No. If you have a learner’s permit, you can’t act as a designated driver. You must have a completely sober driver with a valid driver’s license who is at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat at all times.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Have a Designated Driver?
If you don’t have a designated driver and you’ve consumed an impairing substance, don’t attempt to drive. Instead, use a ride-sharing service, or a professional designated driver service if you want a driver to get you and your car to your destination safely.
How long does it take to sober up after consuming alcohol? Discover everything you need to know about how long alcohol stays in the system.
Join MADD’s Mission to Prevent Impaired Driving
Drunk-driving crashes claim thousands of lives every year. But they don’t have to. You can be part of the solution. If you’re planning to consume alcohol during a night out, choosing a designated driver in advance is the best, safest solution. If your plan fails, there are alternatives available like requesting a ride using a ride-share app or using a professional driver service to ensure you get to your destination safely. And if you’re the one behind the wheel, remember that your friends are counting on you to get them home, so stay sober, alert, and see the job through.
At MAAD, we’ve been helping to prevent impaired driving since 1980 through advocacy, education, and victim support. Want to join our mission to keep our roads and communities safer? Discover how you can get involved.
