Plan Ahead

Always plan your transportation options before the festivities begin. If you know there will be alcohol at a celebration, arrange for a designated driver or utilize public transportation or ride-sharing services. Apps like Uber and Lyft make it easy to arrange a ride home at any time of the day or night, ensuring you never have to choose between safety and convenience.

Use Sober Ride Programs

Many communities offer sober ride programs during graduation season. These programs provide free or discounted rides to individuals who have been drinking and decide not to drive. Check if such programs are available in your area and make a note of the details so you can take advantage of them if needed.

Host Responsibility

If you’re hosting a graduation party, you have a responsibility to your guests. Provide plenty of non-alcoholic drink options and food to help mitigate the effects of alcohol. It’s also wise to stop serving alcohol well before the party ends. Offer to arrange transportation or even accommodations for your guests to prevent anyone from feeling they have no choice but to drive home under the influence.

Educate and Communicate

Talk openly with graduates about the dangers of drinking and driving. Young adults may not fully understand the legal and personal consequences of driving under the influence, which can include jail time, fines, and the irreparable harm of causing an accident. Education can play a powerful role in preventing DUI incidents.

Monitor Alcohol Consumption

Keep an eye on how much you and others are drinking during celebrations. If you or someone else has had too much, intervene in a friendly but firm way. It’s better to have a slightly awkward moment than a lifetime of regret.

Celebrate at Home

Consider having a smaller, more intimate gathering at home. You can control the amount of alcohol served and ensure that everyone has a safe place to stay without the need to drive afterwards.

Be a Role Model

Set a positive example by not drinking and driving. Your behavior can influence others more than you might think. By choosing to drive sober, you show your peers and younger graduates that celebrating responsibly is both possible and preferable.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Encourage the use of apps that can help monitor alcohol consumption and provide estimates on blood alcohol content (BAC). While not legally binding or always 100% accurate, these tools can offer a helpful reference point for determining whether it’s safe to drive.

Drive Sober During Graduation Season

Graduation should be a time of happiness and pride, not one of tragedy. By driving sober and encouraging others to do the same, you contribute to making the roads safer for everyone. Remember, the best celebrations are those where everyone arrives home safely. Let’s cherish our graduates by ensuring their safety during one of the most memorable times of their lives.