The last thing anyone in his or her right mind wants to do is allow someone who has been drinking to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, especially if that person is a friend or family member. However, many times, it can be difficult to convince someone who has been drinking to willingly give up his or her keys.
For those faced with the task of preventing someone from driving drunk, here are some tips from Mothers Against Drunk Driving:
- Try to remain non-confrontational.
- Always keep in mind that the person you are talking to is impaired. Therefore, explain things in a slower and simpler manner than you would if talking to a sober person.
- Call on others to help you, because it is often harder to say “no” to three or four people as opposed to one.
- Provide the person with suggestions for alternate forms of transportation, such as a bus, train, cab or ride with a sober driver.
- Get the person’s keys away from him or her if possible.
- Offer the person a place to sleep it off if necessary.
- Talk to the person about your reasons for not wanting him or her to drive, such as that you care about the person and you do not want him or her or others to get hurt.
- As a last resort, call the police.
What Should I Do If I Am Hurt in an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver?
To learn the steps you should take if you or a loved one are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, listen to injury lawyer Julie Braman Kane in the video below.
Tip of the Week: You and your friends should select a designated sober driver ahead of time to prevent anyone from drinking and driving.
Colson Hicks Eidson – Injury Attorneys