Car accidents stemming from a distracted driver can lead to serious personal injury or death. One of the most deadly driving distractions in Greenville, South Carolina is DUI. Fortunately, there are some easy DUI solutions available that can help prevent and avoid these awful encounters.

This is part two of a six-part series looking at 3 different types of driving distractions. Part two (this post) will focus on some easy DUI solutions.

Back in part one, we took an in-depth look at the DUI problem in Greenville and South Carolina as a whole, which you can read about here: Deadly Driving Decisions Part 1

If you’re injured in a DUI-related car accident, please don’t hesitate to contact Thomas Creech Law Offices to discuss your options. You can request your free consultation by phone at 864-235-4999, filling out our simple online form on the contact us page or you can continue reading the post uninterrupted and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Driving Distractions Defined

Before diving into the specific solutions and alternatives to DUI, let’s back up and look at a quick overview of driving distractions in general.

A driving distraction is any activity that takes your complete focus away from driving. These distractions can be physical or mental.

The cause of a physical distraction is any action that forces the driver to lose focus while driving. Physically turning your head to read a text message or trying to avoid running into a vehicle that just cut you off are some of the more common physical distractions.

The cause of a mental distraction is any decision that impedes the driver’s ability to maintain focus while driving. DUI of alcohol or drugs, exhaustion and being a reckless driver represent a few of these mental distractions.

DUI Solutions

There is always a better solution than drinking and driving. The process of choosing the right DUI solution can’t begin until you have the right frame of mind.

I’m not driving tonight

There is no reason to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Start with the mindset that you’re not going to drive, then you can figure out the right decision for you. DUI isn’t just a distraction that occurs while driving. Drinking and driving is a decision that’s made before you even touch a beer mug, cocktail glass or bottle of wine. Likewise, telling yourself not to drive and removing any temptation of doing so, is also a preemptive decision.

Obviously, driving to a restaurant or bar and not being able to drive your car home is inconvenient. In light of this inconvenience, puts the following questions in perspective:

How uncomfortable is a jail cell going to be for you?

Do you want to deal with the emotional turmoil of killing someone due to trying to avoid some discomfort?

Finally, is the frustrating situation you’re in, worth dying for?

Obviously, these three scenarios are significantly worse than having to pick up your vehicle the next day, paying a large parking fee or calling someone to pick you up.

5 Easy DUI Solutions

Now that you have the right mindset, it’s time to dive into five easy solutions to avoid DUI and some helpful advice on how to best utilize each solution. Many of these options seem simple, but it’s important to understand that DUI is easily avoidable. One little piece of advice when thinking about each of the solutions below. Before you start drinking, figure out which transportation situation works best for you and make sure to tell someone (that’s not drinking) your plans for the evening.

Solution No. 1: Don’t get in the driver seat

Seriously. Simply choosing not to get in the driver’s seat is all you need in order to avoid a DUI. The following solutions are strategies after making the right decision not to drink and drink.

Solution No. 2: Don’t drive to the restaurant

If you want to avoid the frustration of getting your vehicle back home, then don’t drive or let anyone else who intends on drinking drive their car in the first place. By leaving your car at home, you’re removing the temptation to drive. Also, once you decide on the right transportation option to reach your destination, you can simply use the same ride to head back home.

Solution No. 3: Assign a Designated Driver

Assigning a designated driver is the fastest and most likely (more on why this might not be the case in just a moment) the least expensive option. The best part of having a designated driver in the group is 1the convenience factor. Since the sober individual already has his car, you don’t need to wait for someone to pick you up when you’re ready to leave. Always make sure that the designated driver is sober throughout the night. The person designated for this role can’t drink. Period.

Since the designated driver is doing the group of favor by sitting out of the shenanigans, show your gratitude. The group should pay for all of the driver’s meals. When you go out together again, offer to buy the driver a drink or maybe even all of his drinks.

Solution No. 4: Call

If there isn’t a designated driver in your group, you can arrange for someone to pick you up. Confirming the details before going out is the best way to handle the situation. Ensure the person is aware of where you’re planning on going if you’re going to multiple places, when to pick you up and who you will be with, in case the person can’t reach you. Try to update the person on what’s going on periodically throughout the night, especially if there’s a change in the original plan.

Just like with a designated driver, be thankful they’re giving you a hand. Consider bringing back dessert, offering a ride whenever they need one and any other kind gestures that work for a particular relationship.

Solution No. 5: Uber

If you don’t have a designated driver in your group or someone willing to give you a lift, then your next option is to arrange a pickup via Uber, Lyft or another taxi service. Understandably, it’s completely reasonable to worry about the cost of paying for a ride. However, the average cost of a DUI charge is around $10 thousand, the auto insurance rate will skyrocket and driving privileges will be at risk.

In light of the financial risk involved with drinking and driving, using Uber for trips around Greenville is pretty inexpensive. Despite the population growth, Greenville is still a relatively compact area to travel around. Downtown Greenville is just under 10 miles away from Woodruff Road. The Uber fare for traveling from The Peace Center in downtown Greenville to Buffalo Wild Wings on Woodruff Road is $15.73 or $31.46 roundtrip. Uber provides a fare estimate tool, which can help you calculate the cost of your trip.

Wrap Up

All of these DUI solutions are relatively simple to implement. However, once you add alcohol to the mix, it’s difficult to make good decisions like calling someone to pick you up or scheduling an Uber pickup.

Let’s say you’re mindful enough to call someone. If you didn’t notify the person you’re calling before you went out, then that individual may not be able to help you. The best way to ensure that your night out is fun but safe for everyone is to have a plan before you go out.

What are some other DUI solutions and alternatives? Let us know in the comment section.

If you’re injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, please don’t hesitate to contact the Thomas Creech Law Offices by phone at 864-235-4999 or through our convenient online form below this post.

Thomas Creech is a personal injury lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina with 20 years of courtroom experience. He has spent his entire professional career as a Greenville resident and will provide you with the attention your case deserves.