Arizona has some of the most stringent DUI laws in the country. Aside from spending a couple nights in jail, a DUI arrest means months, if not years of court dates and hefty fines. At the same time, there’s just too much going on in Phoenix these days to not take advantage. Here are some alternatives to drinking and driving that are well worth exploring if you’re heading out on the town any time soon.
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Taxi/Rideshare. The valley still has several cab companies, and although the experience may be less than ideal, it’s still more ideal than other possible consequences of drinking and driving. The newer rideshare companies, such as Uber, have more features that a regular cab company, such as a mobile app, gps locators in case you don’t know where you are, and the ability to give feedback on the driver.
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Designated Driver Services In many cities across America, there are ’designated driver’ services available. These companies will actually get both you and your car home safely. Check out drinkinganddriving.org or saferideamerica.org. Their goals are to eliminate the two main excuses people use to drive impaired:
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People don’t have the money to pay to get their car home. If you don’t have money for the fee, you can “pay later” either with your time as a volunteer, paying for your fare at a later date, and/or tell others about their services.
Driving while impaired not only endangers you and others on the road, it’s simply not worth the consequences if you get caught. Be safe, and if you find yourself in a pinch, explore the options above to get you home safely.