People have many options about drinking and driving

People who drink and drive often make excuses, acting like they had no other choice. They had to get home, they’ll say. They didn’t mean to drink too much, but they couldn’t wait for a few hours to sober up. They didn’t know what else to do.

In the moment, that type of thinking leads a lot of people to drive while intoxicated. They decide to chance it. However, the truth is that people have many other options. The majority of drunk driving accidents could be avoided if the drivers had just planned in advance. Some good options include:

• Getting a friend to be the designated driver
• Arranging to have someone pick them up from the bar
• Riding the bus
• Calling a taxi
• Using their phone to order a rideshare car
• Calling a family member or a loved one
• Walking home

One option that people sometimes choose is riding a bike. While you can make the argument that doing so is safer than driving, you should know that cycling while intoxicated is often very dangerous. It’s best to walk or to find some other way to get a ride. That said, it’s not illegal.

These options may seem clear and useful, but the reality is that many people reject them for one reason or another when the time comes. Maybe they don’t want to pay. Maybe they think they’re not that drunk. Maybe they don’t want to leave their car parked by the bar.

Whatever the reason, these negligent drivers cause fatal accidents every year. Those who get seriously injured or lose loved ones must know what legal rights they have to seek financial compensation.