There is no doubt that the designated drivers, overall, have saved many lives. Surprisingly, however, there are those who, despite offering to remain sober during a party, will drink. This endangers not only their lives but the lives of their passengers. Yes, even designated drivers have been pulled over for drunk driving. Despite how people feel about alcohol, or even alcohol abuse, most are against drunk driving. Although it may be awkward, there may be times when you will have to say “no” to a designated driver when they are at a party and ask for a drink. Even though you may not feel “cool” or popular at the time, remember that you could be saving lives.
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- Ask: Aren’t you the designated driver? Many times, just the fact that you are letting them know that YOU know is enough to back them off. Remember, it isn’t you being uncool, it is the person who offered to remain sober and yet is asking for alcohol. There is nothing cool or safe about their actions.
- Ask: Are you the designated driver, or the designated drunk? Alarmingly, because of the lack of competent designated drivers (who remain sober), many are left with the option of choosing the person who is the least drunk. The end result of this is often tragic. At the very least, they can still end up with a DUI, but it is no safer to depend on the person who is the least drunk.
- Tell them, honestly, what you think of their drinking. There simply is no respect for someone who will drink even though they have offered to transport other individuals safely. Don’t be afraid to tell them that, and more, if they ask for a drink.
- Say “Yeah, sure, just let me tell the people you are supposed to be driving. Threatening to expose their drinking may be enough to send them away empty handed. They are counting on the fact that their drinking will not become known. In a crowd, it’s easy to walk up and ask for a drink without notice. Expose them, they won’t ask again.
- Offer them a (free) soft drink. Simply refuse to serve them alcohol, but offer them a soft drink instead.
Yes, it may be awkward, but you are not the bad guy (or girl) in this situation. Anyone who is against drunk driving would find one way or another to say no to a designated driver who wants a drink. Designated drivers have been pulled over by police in the past, much to the embarrassment of everyone involved. Overall, alcohol and alcohol abuse account for thousands of deaths each year in the United States and Canada alone. If you feel bad saying no to a designated driver, imagine how you would feel if they were to be in an accident, and you would have to live with the knowledge that your actions contributed to the damage.
No matter how you have to say it, say no to the designated driver. Other people are counting on them to deliver them safely to their destination. The decision you make could have devastating consequences, if you should choose to give a drink to this driver. When alcohol and drunk driving is concerned, everyone shares responsibility. There are too many drunk drivers on the road as it is without letting designated drivers drink as well.
If you know someone who has a drinking problem that is out of control, please refer them to the Narconon rehab center so they can get their life back. Toll Free: 1-877-782-7409
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