Facing the Reality: What to do When Your Significant Other Drinks and Drives

Introduction

Drunk driving is a dangerous but unfortunately all too common problem. If you have reason to believe your significant other may have been consuming alcohol and is still under the influence, taking action is crucial for both their safety and the well-being of others on the road. This article will guide you through several scenarios and offer practical advice on what to do in each situation.

When You are in the Car

The first and most immediate step is to ensure the safety of everyone in and around the vehicle. Here are a few actions you can take if you are in the car with your significant other who has been drinking.

Tell Them to Pull Over

As soon as you are certain your loved one is not fit to drive, tell them to pull over in a safe location. This will prevent any imminent danger and provide time for the situation to be addressed.

Take the Keys

Once the car is in park, make your way out of the vehicle. Take the keys with you to ensure no one else can drive and to prevent your significant other from re-entering the car.

When You are Not with Them

In situations where you cannot find your significant other, or they are away from the car, there are alternative approaches to take.

Pretend You Don't Care

Another strategy you can employ is to pretend you don't care about what they are doing. This can be a slightly more complex approach, but it may help you appear less suspicious. For instance, you could say something like, 'I can't wait for you to pick me up even if it's a bit far. I'll just watch some TV in the meantime.' This implies that you are not overly concerned with their current situation.

What to Say When They Call for a Ride

If they do call for a ride, again, you need to ensure that you both are safe. Here is what you should do in this scenario:

The Bathroom and Key Switcheroo

When they arrive to pick you up, take the keys and use the bathroom first. This will ensure that you can secure the keys and prevent them from re-entering the vehicle. Follow the bathroom/key switcheroo method mentioned in the initial example to ensure your safety.

When They are Too Far to Safely Drive

There will be times when the distance is too great to risk your significant other driving. In such cases, it is essential to express your concerns and emphasize the importance of safety.

Ask Them to Care

Say something like, 'Please be careful and come back safely.' This shows that you care about their well-being and safety, while also emphasizing the potential consequences of driving under the influence. It can help to remind them of the importance of responsible behavior.

Conclusion

Dealing with a significant other who has been drinking and is about to drive can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. However, prioritizing safety and taking decisive action can help prevent dangerous situations from arising. Remember, it's never okay for anyone to drive after consuming alcohol, and every effort should be made to address such behavior proactively and responsibly.