Driving after drinking is a bad idea in the Keystone State. After all, if your blood alcohol concentration is over the state’s 0.08% legal limit, you face a variety of legal consequences. You may also have to deal with collateral consequences, such as the loss of a scholarship or a job. Choosing a designated driver before hitting the town is often an effective way to have fun responsibly.
Even though designated drivers have been keeping individuals safe for decades, not every person makes a good designated driver. If you do not pick the right person, your plan for getting home safely may fall apart at a time when you are less likely to make positive choices. Here are three qualities your designated driver should have:
- Responsibility
Your designated driver must realize that acting as such is a solemn responsibility. Therefore, after committing to driving you home, your designated driver should not bail on you early or otherwise fail to fulfill his or her obligations. The person you choose should also stick close by you to ensure that you have a safe ride home when it is time to go.
- Communication
Dealing with an intoxicated friend is not always fun. Nonetheless, your designated driver must clearly communicate the night’s transportation plan to you and your friends. By setting realistic expectations, your designee boosts the chances of getting you home without incident.
- Temperance
It can be hard to abstain from drinking while everyone else is having a good time. Still, your designated driver must realize that even a small amount of alcohol may make him or her an unsafe driver. Therefore, the individual you select should be capable of abstaining from booze for the entire evening.
If you are facing DUI charges, you probably want to defend yourself aggressively. Fortunately, if you can find the right designated driver, you may never have to worry about addressing the legal and other consequences that often accompany a DUI arrest.