A night spent having fun with friends is the perfect way to cap off a busy week. You look forward to it. You think of your plans fondly at the end of a tough shift at work or a long day studying for your next college exam. When the day comes, you just want to let loose. You plan to laugh, tease, joke, eat and drink.
These are the perfect ingredients to an enjoyable, easy-going evening. However, without moderation or proper planning, your night of freedom could easily turn into a life of restrictions and regrets. You spend time planning important aspects of your life, and how you get home after a good time with friends should be given just as much thought.
Keep the party going for weekends to come with these hot takes:
- Know the number to call. If you’re going to drink, don’t even make driving an option. Pre-program the numbers for your local cab companies into your phone. Download your favorite rideshare apps and have your profile ready to go. Make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving the house.
- Plan ahead. If bar hopping is the plan, create a route ahead of time. Know how you will get safely from establishment to establishment. Consider places within walking distance that have clearly designated sidewalks and crosswalks. Going the house party route? Buy all of your alcohol and snacks before you start drinking. Bring your sleeping bag and pajamas for an old-fashioned slumber party. You should remove any need to leave the house. If you get hungry and run out of snacks, make sure you know what restaurants deliver.
- Believe in teamwork. If you and your friends can work out a deal, plan to have a designated sober captain. You can switch off each week to keep it fair. Agree to hand over keys to your sober buddy before you start to drink. Stay together as a group no matter what. Hold one another accountable and keep each other safe.
Driving under the influence is dangerous for you, your friends and everyone else on the road. If you are pulled over, the consequences can impact your driving privileges, career and education. You and your friends deserve to have fun, and owe it to one another to stay safe. Think before you unwind with a night of fun.