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Help your friends survive the night

11 Dec 2014|8,553 views

Being a designated driver is more than just getting everyone home safely. You can be the life of the party and help your friends survive the night too.

You and your buddies have planned to go drinking after work and it's your 'fortunate' turn to be the designated driver. Did I just hear someone heave a big sigh?

Well, you don't have to be all down about it because being a designated driver can be fun too! Besides, you have the honour of keeping everyone safe and making sure that the party ends on a good note.

Don't drive to drink and you'll never drink and drive

For the designated drivers out there, fret not and read on for some tips to help you and your friends survive the night:

Tip 1: Let everyone know that you are the designated driver before the party starts

Although the reason behind this is so that your friends who intend to drink don't drive to the venue, expect lots of pats on your back and a deep sense of appreciation for you once you let them know that you're the designated driver for the day.

Tip 2: Order only non-alcoholic drinks for yourself

Did you know that even when you don't feel drunk, as long as there's alcohol in your body, it can affect your reaction time?

The human brain has to deal with many things and process vast amounts of information all the time. Alcohol affects attentiveness and one's ability to make quick decisions on the road, react to changes in the environment and execute specific, often difficult manoeuvres behind the wheel.

Drink driving is a very serious offence and the penalties are severe

If it's your turn to be the designated driver, it's best to steer clear of any forms of alcohol throughout the day to ensure that you and your friends get home safely.

Some drinks you may want to consider are non-alcoholic beers, mocktails (some examples: Nojito, Virgin Mary, Arnold Palmer), juices or the great tasting water if you are watching your weight.

Tip 3: Keep yourself busy! Get on the dance floor, have a conversation with your friends or play games

No one wants to be the designated driver and miss out on the fun, but who says you need alcohol to have a great time? With a little bit of creativity and self-assuredness, you can hit the dance floor, chat with your friends, get to know people, and even play some table games without the booze!

The designated driver can still party like everyone else

Tip 4: Keep watch of your friends' drink limits

If it's not for your friends, you may want to consider doing this for yourself as you won’t want to end up cleaning up puke, or worse, being puked on!

Set a sensible drinking limit for your friends - a good gauge is not more than four drinks for the guys and three for the girls on a night out. It is also recommended for them to have a glass of water or a mocktail after each alcoholic drink.