How NOT to Get in a Car with an Impaired Person: Help Your Student Stay Safe
Thousands of lives are saved each year by both designated drivers and by those who make smart decisions about not getting in the car with an impaired driver. Unfortunately, many more lives are needlessly lost by those who make poor choices. As you well know, each of these deaths is a tragedy that affects many others who are left to grieve the loss.

Here are some tips you can share with students on how not to get in a car with a person under the influence:

• Plan ahead whenever you are going to socialize at an event where alcohol is in the mix by choosing a designated driver.
  
• Collect everyone's car keys at the start of an event so there is no chance that someone will drive under the influence. Give them all to the designated driver to hold for safe keeping.
  
• Be sure you have the phone numbers for local cab companies and/or bus and shuttle schedules in your wallet. Print them out so you always have them with you.
  
• Try to avoid a confrontation or embarrassing the person under the influence.
  
• Practice saying "no." Be firm in what you feel is the right thing to do and say no to riding with an impaired driver. Also, have some stock excuses ready.
  
• Don't be afraid to call for help. Under no circumstance should you get in the car with someone under the influence. You can always call a campus professional or campus police if you need assistance.

Remind your student that, no matter what, he should stand firm in his decision not to get in the car of a driver who is under the influence. Doing his part to help ensure the roads are safe is the most responsible thing he can do.