Now if only you could convince your friends to see the truth in this. We’ve all been in the situation. Friends have had one drink too many and, somehow, they still believe it’s okay to get behind the wheel.

Well, it’s not. The possibilities for tragedy are multiple, and sometimes you just need to put your foot down and say it as it is.

Here are seven ways you can save your friend’s life this Christmas.

1. Plan ahead

We all start out full of good intentions when planning a night out with the squad.

“Ma nqażżuhiex l-aħwa, a couple of light drinks and we’re done”. Famous last words…

Fast-forward to three hours later, when you’re dancing the Lambada with a suspicious broomstick you found in the loo and your bestie is trying his damndest to make out with an uncooperative bottle of tequila…

That’s why you need to plan ahead when it comes to the big question: how are you all going to get home at 4am?

Keep it real. If you’re planning a night out, the likelihood is you’re all getting wasted. Ignore your friends’ misguided cries of “u mbagħad we see” and book a group cab both ways. That way nothing is left to chance and no one will try and foil your attempts at being responsible.

What’s more, you get to arrive at your venue in style and get the pre-drinks started before you’ve left the house!

2. Don’t overestimate your friends’ capacity to stay sober after downing a trayful of cheap tequila shots

Hey, we get it. No one wants to be tarred with ultimate insult – “dawk lightweights ta.”

Chill ya tits, Karla, we’ll still respect you for the leġ you are if you hop into a cab after depleting the bar’s entire supply of vodka.

Actually, Karla, we’d respect you a lot more for doing that.

This is what you should be telling Karla when she is trying to force her keys into someone else’s car.

She’ll ignore you, of course, at which point you gently take away the keys, shove her into the cab and explain to the driver that no, you’re not actually kidnapping her and no, she will not be sick in the car… hopefully.

There. That’s your BFF duties done. The rule is simple – anything more than two drinks, just don’t let them drive – no matter what they say.

3. Take the lead

It’s all very well and grand to announce to your mates that they can leave their car keys in their pockets as you’re taking a cab home. But in this season of social gatherings, chances are that you’re not the first to hit upon this excellent idea.

Once again, a bit of forethought will reduce the chances of you and the squad having to hang around for an hour like a field of lemons while waiting for the next available cab when all you want to be doing is hugging a blanket in the dark while swearing to never drink again.

When you see the evening is winding down (hint: when the barman is literally giving daggers) just take the lead and book that cab so by the time you’re actually thrown out of the bar it is there, waiting for you.

4. Be ready to be flexible

Listen, life can be a right shit show and even when you’ve made all the effort to plan a good and safe night out with the gang, something can still go wrong.

The cab doesn’t turn up due to a mishap. It turns up too early or too late. The designated driver thought his designation involved a dodgy two-for-one offer. You lose half your bros while trying to shepherd them into the cab.

Stay strong and don’t give in. If the cab is a no show, book another.

Cab too early? Ditto. Crew keeps disappearing? Ask the driver to give you five minutes and then leave them a nice tip.

Most drivers would rather wait an extra few minutes while people find their way than have a drunk driving accident on their conscience.

5. Err on the side of caution

Not every outing involves drunken serenades and puking in the hedges, sure. Sometimes we are simply being social. Maybe a couple of post-work drinks, some wine over a nice dinner, or a couple of cheeky G&Ts with the buddies.

But the truth is that even a couple of G&Ts can be enough to make people unfit to drive.

You don’t need to actually be skunk-drunk to have your reflexes and judgement affected.
The rule is this: if you are unsure, don’t do it and don’t let them do it.

Better be over-cautious than have to visit your bestie in hospital the next day. And, worse, knowing that you could have done something to avoid this. Doesn’t make for much more Christmas cheer, does it?

6. Don’t be shy to kick up a fuss

People who have had a bit to drink are not best known for being totally reasonable. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that your buddy doesn’t quite share the same views as you with respect to whether they are in a condition to drive or not.

Be ready to do some sweet talking to part them from their car keys. And when that doesn’t work, raise hell – call them irresponsible and embarrass them into getting into the damn cab.

Works like a charm every time.

When it is a matter of life and death – and with drink-driving make no mistake, it is – there is no place for politeness.

7. Make sure the designated driver is actually sober

Otherwise, relieve them of their duties as driver. Now is not the time for snide remarks – you don’t want to have to deal with rebuttals and refusals on top of it all.

Be a good sport and make other arrangements for everyone, including yourself. You can make your friend’s life miserable later when you’re all safely home.

BONUS: Just don’t drink and drive

Should be obvious, but all the good advice in the world is useless if you’re the one confidently insisting you’re good to drive and everyone else should hop in.

If you’ve had a couple of drinks, do not drive yourself and do not drive others. And that is the best way to save your anyone’s life.

Tag a festive friend who loves getting wasted over the Christmas season!