Volunteering to be a designated driver doesn’t have to be a drag - in fact, there are so many advantages to being the designated driver that we’ve decided to list them all (or most of them!) here. The next time you go out with some friends, consider stepping up to drive your friends home safely!
- No hangover: sure, going out for a few drinks can be a lot of fun, but the next morning is always rough! Treat your body better by not drinking, and you will wake up feeling great.
- Less of a bar bill. Drinks are expensive! You can spend all of that hard-earned cash on other things. Sipping soda all night can save you a lot of money.
- You can see how other people act when they have a few drinks. It’s interesting to watch how other people behave after having a few drinks. Sometimes, you can really see someone’s true colors after that person has had a few cocktails. Sit back and see whether or not the friends you are spending time with really are great people.
- You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your friends will get home safely. This is one of the biggest advantages to being the designated driver!
- You may get free drinks. Some bars and clubs honor designated drivers by offering free drinks to responsible adults (that’s you if you are the DD!).
- You won’t do anything that you will later regret. How many times have you made a phone call or sent a text after drinking? Or, maybe you’ve said something or done something that you regret the next day. Not drinking means not making these mistakes.
Making It All Fair
If you don’t want to be the designated driver all the time, that’s okay. But, someone in your group of friends should be sober every time you go out (if you plan to drive to a place). To make things fair, you can take turns not drinking. This way, everyone pulls their weight - and everyone makes it home safely.
Lastly, we want to remind you not to get in a car with anyone that’s been drinking. Take a taxi, stay at a friend’s house, find someone that hasn’t been drinking to bring you home - or call mom or dad to pick you up. There are always alternate ways to get home. Make sure that you make the safest decision!!