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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the state’s legal limit are considered alcohol-impaired by law. Alcohol-impaired drivers get behind the wheel millions of times every year, and more than 10,000 people in the U.S. die every year in crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver.

A person’s ability to think clearly, make rational decisions, and move responsively are impacted by alcohol consumption. Alcohol can also impair coordination, judgment, reaction time, balance, and alertness. Everyone metabolizes and absorbs alcohol at different rates, so experts say there is no “safe” amount of alcohol that a person can consume and be able to drive.

Choosing the right designated driver (DD) may mean the difference between a wonderful night out and a trip to the emergency room following a drunk-driving accident. A designated driver makes sure everyone has a safe ride home.

“If you are the designated driver, you have an important job. You are responsible for everyone’s safety and commit to staying sober when everyone else may be drinking. This means you may have no alcohol whatsoever,” said Fort Myers Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

When choosing, or being, a designated driver, please consider using the Alcohol.org’s tips:

Tips on how to choose a designated driver wisely:

• Pick a responsible and safe driver with a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance.
• Choose someone who is able to resist temptation and not drink. Many bars or events will provide alcoholic-free beverages, or other perks, to designated drivers.
• Find a reliable person who will either agree to come and pick everyone up when called, or who will stay on location and not drink.
• Plan ahead before everyone starts drinking. Do not wait until alcohol consumption has begun and rely on who is the “least drunk,” or who has had the fewest drinks. Remember, the DD has a responsibility to stay sober all night. Once everyone starts drinking, it is harder to make good, rational decisions.
• Be sure that the chosen DD is available when you need them to be.

Tips on being a designated driver:

• Eat a large meal ahead of time so you are full and not tempted to have a drink.
• Drink flavored beverages while out, such as a soda or fruit juice, so you feel you are partaking with a beverage in your hand. This also helps to avoid conversations about why you aren’t drinking.
• Position yourself away from the bar so you are not tempted to imbibe.
• Keep yourself occupied. Play darts or pool, dance, or talk to people, anything to take the focus off the fact you are not drinking. Have fun doing other things instead.
• Remember that being a designated driver is a big responsibility and can literally be a lifesaver. No amount of alcohol is worth going back on your word.
• When it’s time to leave, make sure that everyone is present and accounted for. If a person from your group decides to stay longer, be sure that the bar or club calls a cab for them. Have a safe and enjoyable ride home.

We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for our clients.

Should you or a loved one be injured in a drunk-driving accident please contact Attorney Randall Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839.