Drunk driving kills over 10,000 people every year in the U.S. and many more worldwide. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow your brain, delay your reactions, and make it harder to drive safely, whether or not you feel drunk. That’s why relying on judgment alone doesn’t work.

Globally, alcohol is a factor in about 17% of all road deaths. The World Health Organization says most countries either lack strong drunk driving laws or don’t enforce them properly. That’s why technology and better planning are now key to preventing these accidents.

And when things do go wrong, having someone on your side who actually gets it is a big deal. That’s where TopDog Law’s drunk driving accident attorneys come in. They help people pick up the pieces after a crash and fight for what’s fair.

Public Transportation

Public transportation, like buses, subways, and trains, is one of the most reliable ways to prevent drunk driving accidents. It gives people a safe way to get home without needing to drive at all. Unlike driving, using public transit doesn’t require focus, quick reactions, or clear judgment, which are all affected by alcohol.

In cities with strong public transportation systems, DUI rates are lower because people have a cheap, accessible alternative to driving after drinking. Even during the day after casual drinking events, public transit can be used instead of driving. And in places where public transit isn’t perfect, people can still use a short taxi or ride-share trip to reach a station.

Planning ahead is key. If someone knows they might drink, deciding to use public transportation before going out helps remove the chance of making a dangerous choice later. It’s a simple way to reduce DUI risks and prevent crashes before they happen.

Call a Family Member or Friend

If you’ve been drinking and need to get home, calling a family member or friend for a ride is one of the safest and easiest options. Alcohol can impair your judgment and reaction time, making it dangerous to drive, even if you feel fine. By asking someone to pick you up, you remove the risk of making a bad decision and keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Most people will be happy to help because they care about your well-being. Calling ahead before you go out is also a good idea so you already know who can help if needed. While it may feel awkward to ask, it’s a much safer choice than driving drunk. This simple step can prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.

Rideshare Services

Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are a great alternative to drunk driving because they provide a simple, safe, and quick way to get home without driving. These services connect you with a driver who will pick you up and take you where you need to go, all through an app on your phone.

After drinking, it’s easy to use these services instead of trying to drive yourself, which reduces the risk of accidents caused by impaired judgment or slow reactions.

Rideshare services are available in most areas, are affordable, and are often faster than other transportation options like waiting for a bus. They can be shared with friends to lower the cost, and the app gives you an estimated price before you confirm the ride.

Furthermore, these services are safe because they track your location and give you the ability to share your ride details with others, making it a much safer option than driving under the influence.