Options for a ride home if you’re drunk

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.

• Public Transportation.  This works best if you live within walking distance of a light rail stop. The Valley Metro light rail extends its hours on the weekends and adds extra trains during special events downtown, such as baseball and basketball games.

• 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.

• Appointing a DD among your friends.  While this plan may work great as long as your friend is committed to not drinking throughout the night, it doesn’t work if you’re already out and there’s no one sober around.

• 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:

• People don’t want to leave their cars behind.

• 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.