No price on driving safety after holiday parties
Dear Annie: My husband doesn’t drink, for medical reasons.
Recently, we were headed to a big dinner party celebrating our friend’s 30th birthday at a restaurant downtown. It’s about a 15-minute drive from our apartment.
I wanted to take a taxi because it was a Friday night, and I figured I’d have a few glasses of wine. Plus, we’d both had long days at work, and even though he would be sober, I didn’t want to force him to be designated driver.
But he wanted me to drive. I said, “Sorry, but I’d rather play it safe. I might be too tipsy on the way home.” He said he hates wasting money on things such as taxis and told me, “If you’re drinking too much to drive, maybe you shouldn’t drink at all.” Given my size, even two glasses of wine would put me over the legal limit, and I’d rather eat the cost of a $15 taxi ride than risk endangering lives (not to mention the legal costs of a DUI).
We bickered about this for 10 minutes, and we were running late for the dinner.
Eventually, he caved and agreed to the taxi. But he was irritated with me the rest of the night, and it kind of spoiled my time.
Was I in the wrong to want to splurge for the taxi? Is he right that I’m irresponsible if I drink too much to drive? I like to drink socially. I just want to be realistic about that and plan accordingly. And I also don’t want to always force him to DD just because he can’t drink. — Playing It Safe
Dear Playing: Thank goodness you took the wheel, figuratively speaking, on this decision.
Even if you’re not planning on drinking too much, leaving the keys at home is the only way to steer clear.
As your state police will be happy to remind you, “buzzed driving is drunken driving.”
I don’t think you’re irresponsible for wanting to have a few drinks at a birthday party. Your taking the initiative to get a taxi beforehand shows just how very responsible you are. I understand your husband’s concern for staying on budget, but you can’t put a price on safety.
A note for everyone this holiday season: Please do not drink and drive.
Use a designated driver or a ride service. Many AAA clubs participate in the Holiday Safe Ride Program, which is open to members and nonmembers alike. Call 800-AAA-HELP for more information.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.