While it may seem like more fun to be drinking at a party, there are many benefits to being the designated driver. First, you are keeping yourself and your friends safer. Secondly, you’re saving yourself money. And lastly, you won’t be risking a hangover or other health concerns with alcohol consumption. The benefits of being the designated driver are numerous and will allow you to still have fun with your friends without the negative side effects of alcohol.
Benefits of Being the Designated Driver: The Positives
Protecting Yourself and the Community
Although everybody has heard stories of accidents involving drunk drivers, people still make the decision to drink and drive. Driving under the influence not only puts the driver at risk but also every other person on the road. One example of the benefits of being the designated driver is that you know that you’re protecting yourself and your friends. You are making a responsible decision that will keep people safe. You are also showing that you are a person of integrity.
Save Yourself Some Money
Another example of a huge benefit of being the designated driver is that you’ll save money! Whether it be on drinks for yourself or buying rounds of drinks for your friends, alcohol can get expensive. Sometimes, bars do not charge anything for soda, and some bars even advertise free non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers. But alcohol itself isn’t the only cost associated with a night at the bar. If you and your friends choose to be responsible and take cabs or use ride-share services like
Lyft or
Uber, the costs can quickly add up. However, being the designated driver means you save your money. Sometimes your friends even chip in a little gas money!
Forget the Hangover
Of course, the most obvious benefit of being the designated driver is that you won’t risk having a hangover. While this is definitely a positive, remember that alcohol consumption can have other negative effects. Alcohol has been linked to many diseases and health risks. For example, dehydration, liver disease, pancreatitis, and heart disease. By being the designated driver, you are keeping your body healthy and making the day after a night out much more enjoyable.
The benefits of being the designated driver include avoiding hangovers, saving money, and protecting yourself and your friends. But don’t forget that you are also the sober one in a crowd of drinkers. You’ll be able to remember all the funny antics that your friends get up to (and remind them of later)!
