Asking Eric: Remember ‘friends don’t let friends drive drunk’? Still rings true today

Dear Eric: I’m worried about a good friend of mine. He hits the bars, drinking heavily, and then drives home. The next morning, he complains of being hung over. When he drives, he goes 30 mph in a twisty 15 mph zone, with one hand on the wheel. Should I call him on this behavior? If so, how do I go about it?

– Concerned Friend

Dear Friend: Yes, you should call him out. And during the callout let him know that if he doesn’t stop, your next call will be to the authorities. He’s taking his life in his hands and, even more gravely, endangering anyone who is unlucky enough to cross his path. In a world where taxis, rideshares, designated drivers and old-fashioned walking exist, there is no excuse for this. Even if none of those options were workable for him, drinking heavily and getting behind the wheel of a car is never acceptable and never an option.

Tell it to him straight. This is dangerous behavior, it needs to stop, and if he needs help managing his drinking, you’re there for him, but you won’t abide drinking and driving. Don’t wait until the next time it happens. You can do it today. “You’ve told me about a couple instances of heavy drinking, followed by driving and speeding. This is illegal, it could have deadly consequences, and it needs to stop right now.”

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, in the United States on average a person dies in an alcohol-related crash every 42 minutes. This figure doesn’t even take into account injuries caused by alcohol-impaired driving, property damage or the emotional devastation that can result from any of the aforementioned.

All of it is preventable. If you’re out with your friend when he has had too much to drink, take their keys, offer a ride and/or call a cab. If he won’t listen to you, get help from friends, a loved one or the authorities. Just once is one time too many.

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