Sunday, June 28, 2015 | 2 a.m.
’Tis the season for day clubs, pool parties and BBQs, especially here in Las Vegas. With the Fourth of July weekend quickly approaching, there’s a seemingly endless lineup of events.
But whether you’re attending or hosting, keeping everyone safe and sound should be a top priority. As a party host, it’s your job to make sure your guests have a great time and are able to get home safely. There may be no worse feeling than knowing your friend took his or her last drink in your home before causing a serious car crash.
Creating a safe party-environment can help prevent drunken driving.
If you’ve had too much to drink ...
Maybe the heat got to you, maybe you didn’t eat enough during the day, maybe your mixed drink was stronger than you anticipated. Regardless, you’ve had too much to drink and can’t drive home.
Be sure to set up “insurance plans” for yourself should you need them.
1. Make sure your phone is fully charged before going out, and have cab numbers saved and accessible.
Can you afford a DUI?
Besides potentially killing yourself, your passengers and innocent people on the road, drunken driving can lead to very costly DUIs. The fine for a DUI can be up to $1,200, other fees associated with the arrest can cost up to $1,500, and attorney fees can range from $500 to $10,000. In addition, a DUI conviction will increase your car insurance significantly for a minimum of three years. Rate increases can run $3,600 to $6,600. So do the math: A “cheap” DUI can cost up to $6,800. Can you afford it?
2. Park your car somewhere you can leave it overnight if you have to.
3. Familiarize yourself with designated driver services that will drive your car home for you if you can’t. There are multiple options in Las Vegas.
If you’re throwing a party ...
1. Request that all guests come and go with a designated driver, and be sure the DD has the car keys.
2. Make sure the designated driver isn’t parked where they can be blocked in by other cars.
3. Have enough party supplies to last you and your guests all night. There should be no reason for anyone to have to make a mid-party beer run.
4. Hire a professional or designate a trusted friend to be the bartender so guests aren’t serving themselves.
5. Be sure to have plenty of snacks available throughout the party, but avoid too many salty options, which can cause guests to drink more. (Pro tip: Snacks that are high in water content are best, especially in the heat. Watermelon, fruit salads and vegetable plates all are great options.)
6. Have water readily available for guests. Set out multiple coolers filled with water bottles and refill them throughout the party.
7. Stop serving alcoholic beverages at least an hour before you expect anyone to leave.
8. Have numbers for taxi companies and designated driver services handy. Also, offer to help reunite guests with their cars the next morning.
9. Be prepared for the possibility of overnight guests. Have blankets, pillows and sleeping bags ready in case anyone needs to stay the night.
10. Most importantly, don’t let anyone drive whom you suspect may have had one too many. Instead, help them find a ride home, ask them to stay longer to hang out and sober up, or let them crash at your place.
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