When you are out with a friend or family member, you may not feel comfortable intervening when they become intoxicated. However, your friend’s life is more important than their temporary discomfort.
If you believe your friend is too intoxicated to drive, try these steps to prevent them from driving:
Take their keys.
Arrange for another ride through a taxi or rideshare service.
Do not get into the vehicle with an intoxicated person.
Suggest getting food or water.
Take a walk with them.
Walk them home if they live nearby.
Not everyone who is intoxicated appears that way at the time. Clear speech and coordination do not mean that their faculties are unimpaired. Remember that anyone who ingests alcohol is at risk of DUI, so try not to let anyone behind the wheel if they have had any alcohol at all.
Rather than risking a DUI, try to plan in advance. Select a designated driver or alternative transportation before the event so you do not have to worry about keeping an intoxicated loved one off the road.