United States – October 27, 2026 -- Choosing a designated driver before anyone starts drinking is the most cost-effective way to get home safely, and the stakes are high: drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. kill one person every 44 minutes.
People skip the plan for familiar reasons. They don't want to leave the car overnight, they want to avoid the cost or wait of a rideshare, or they simply don't feel impaired. But alcohol affects the same judgment you would use to assess your ability to drive, so the call is harder to make accurately in the moment.
Four ways to secure a ride home
- Pick a driver in advance: Choose someone reliable with a valid license who can resist a drink.
- Use a rideshare app: Uber and Lyft offer on-demand rides. Booking them both to and from your location removes the temptation to drive impaired and the hassle of retrieving your car later.
- Hire a professional driver: Jeevz and Dryver dispatch a driver who takes you home in your own car.
- Search the NDDDS: The National Directory of Designated Driver Services lists drive-me-home providers in your area.
Designated drivers stay on track with a few habits
Make the decision early, rather than picking the "least drunk person" when it's time to leave. Agree on departure times so nobody has to hunt for the group at the end of the night.
Eat a large meal beforehand and sit away from the bar. Order a club soda with lime, a mocktail, or a non-alcoholic beer to blend in, and stay busy with darts, pool, dancing, or conversation. Keep a rideshare app ready as a backup if plans change.
A learner's permit does not qualify you to drive the group
Someone with a learner's permit can't serve as designated driver. A completely sober driver with a valid license who is at least 21 must sit in the front passenger seat at all times.
Ideally, a designated driver has no alcohol at all, because even one drink can impair coordination and judgment. The perks include no hangover, savings on alternative transportation, and free non-alcoholic drinks at establishments with designated driver programs.
If your driver falls through and you've consumed an impairing substance, don't drive. Use a rideshare, or a professional driver service if you want someone to get both you and your car to your destination.