Summer is finally here and we’re finding ourselves out on more patios than any other time of year. With patio season comes more community events, celebrations, and, of course, drinking. Unfortunately, even a few drinks can lead to impairment and potentially life-threatening consequences. Although you can always take a cab or ride transit, those options can be costly and time consuming. A designated driver service is your best bet for getting home quickly and economically. Be prepared this summer and use these 6 tips for a fun and safe summer celebrating.

1.    Prepare a plan for the night ahead

Are you drinking? Do you have a designated driver in Vancouver? If not, how do you plan to get home? You could spend money on a taxi both there and back, ride transit and spend extra time in transit on either end, or you can drive there in your own vehicle and hire a designated driver service to drive both you and your car back home safely at the end of the night.

With a lot of options available and the potential for impaired thinking, it’s important to plan ahead so you know what you’re doing before you’ve had one too many drinks.

2.    Take advantage of a designated driver service

Spending extra time in transit while riding the bus on either end of your night can lead to getting home later than you’d like. Spending money on a cab both ways can waste money. A designated driver service allows you to take yourself, your belongings, and your car with you wherever you’re going while only spending money on the ride home. It’s a win-win with money and time saved and a perfect option if you and your friends all plan on having a drink.

3.    Be the designated driver in Vancouver

Don’t want to spend extra money on a designated driver service, cab fare, or take the long way home on transit? Don’t drink! You’ll save yourself both time and money. If everyone in your group takes turns every time you go out, your group will save a great deal of time and money on your weekly outings. Besides, mocktails are getting pretty creative these days.

4.    Host!

An even better alternative than serving as designated driver in Vancouver? Hosting at your place! Lay out the blankets, get the barbecue going, and host a summer party in your own backyard. Everyone can drink, some can sleepover, and you won’t have to worry about getting a safe ride home. (Although you might need to help some friends if they haven’t planned a trip home!) Hosting is cheap, fun, and an easy way to have fun with your friends without wasting money or time on transit.

5.    Save your cash

Not only is driving under the influence highly dangerous and life-threatening, it’s also illegal! Police across the province are on high alert for drunk drivers this time of year and will charge you if caught. Being caught driving under the influence can lead to your car being impounded, large fines starting at $600 and going up to $4060, jail time, driving suspensions up to 90 days, rehab, and installation of an ignition interlock on your vehicle. Drinking and driving is not worth the risk!

Be sure to have a plan lined up for getting home if you plan on drinking, the risk is too high.

6.    Enjoy mocktails

Still want to head out but not looking to drink water all night? Mocktails have become increasingly trendy and most bars and restaurants now carry a variety of creative drinks for non-drinkers. Our favourites include a virgin Tom Collins and Roy Rogers. However, we guarantee most places will have their own menu of fun and unique virgin drinks.

Need a Vancouver designated driver service?

Whether or not you end up drinking is not as important as how you get home at the end of the night. If you’re in a pinch and want to get home, you’re tired, bored, or just had one too many drinks, we’ll be there. Don’t waste money on cab fare, drive your own car and we’ll pick you both up. Not looking to get home extra late on an already late night out? Avoid transit, we’ve got you. As the top designated driver in Vancouver, we assure you that your well-being is our top priority.