Realty Ideas Per Day - don’t drink and drive

The holiday season is a joyous whirlwind of work parties, family gatherings, and festive toasts. While the cheer is contagious, it’s also a time of heightened risk on the roads. The simple truth is that impaired driving, whether from a few celebratory cocktails or a glass of wine too many, can turn a wonderful evening into a tragic mistake. Your holiday planning checklist shouldn’t end with “buy a gift” or “bake cookies”; it must begin with “secure a safe ride home.” Waiting until the end of the night, when your judgment is already compromised, is a recipe for disaster. Before you even head out, proactively arrange a designated driver, pre-book a ride-share service, or verify the contact information for local taxis. Making this commitment before your first sip is the single most important decision you can make to protect yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road.

Choosing a safe ride is the ultimate holiday gift to your community and yourself. The cost of a ride-share is a tiny fraction of a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge, which can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, and the crushing weight of guilt if an accident occurs. Even if you are hosting, your responsibility extends to ensuring your guests depart safely—collecting keys upon arrival, offering non-alcoholic drinks, and having local taxi numbers handy are small acts of hospitality with enormous consequences. Let’s make a collective commitment this year: plan ahead, look out for your friends, and prioritize safety. The best holiday memories are the ones you get to make—and relive—safely at home.

Memorial Day weekend is a time for celebration, barbecues, and often, enjoying a few drinks with friends and family. While the festivities are in full swing, it’s absolutely crucial to prioritize safety, especially when it comes to getting home. If your plans involve alcohol, make the smart choice to leave the driving to someone else. This is where ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft become invaluable tools, offering a convenient, reliable, and responsible way to ensure you and your loved ones arrive home safely after a day of enjoying the holiday spirit.

With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can summon a ride from a vetted driver who will take you directly to your doorstep. There’s no need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads, finding parking, or, most importantly, the dangers of driving under the influence. Uber and Lyft operate extensively, especially in urban areas like Washington, D.C., making it easy to find a ride even during peak holiday hours. So, as you celebrate and honor the holiday, remember to plan ahead for a safe ride home. Let Uber or Lyft be your designated driver this Memorial Day weekend – it’s the smartest and safest way to end a day of fun.