Knowing how to get to a destination is only half of the equation. Understanding how one will get home can complete the night.
By Matthew Kayser
A night out in Houston can involve a number of exciting events and get-togethers. Whether meeting friends at a restaurant, attending a concert or sporting event, celebrating a milestone, or simply going to a party, arriving at the destination is only a part of the night’s journey. Returning home is another.
Ensuring proper, safe transportation home is an important factor that should be considered before anyone climbs into a car.
While a Tad Nelson & Associates Houston DWI lawyer can address situations that involve DWI allegations, transportation planning before any social event offers a practical way to avoid putting impaired driving into the equation.
A Night Out Begins Before You Leave
Transportation for a night out should be considered alongside a reservation for a restaurant, a ticket to a game, or when choosing a destination to meet at. The idea of getting home safely, however, may take a back seat when one begins to plan for a night out. For this reason, it is important to be prepared before leaving for the night.
Some steps an individual can take when preparing for a night out can involve choosing a designated driver in advance and identifying who will provide the ride home before going out. Additionally, confirming pickup and meeting locations can also be an important aspect of venturing out for the evening, especially if there are multiple destinations.
While keeping an alternative transportation option in mind may seem like a last resort, having a fully charged phone may be needed to summon a rideshare service if one cannot rely on their friends to drive them home.
Choosing a designated driver for a night out works best when everyone understands who is driving and what the arrangement is at the beginning, which is why it should always be factored into a nightly routine.
Responsible Driving Means Avoiding Last-Minute Decisions
Last-minute decisions can become harder the longer they are postponed. If, at the end of the evening, a person finds they cannot rely on friends or a designated driver to return them to their destination, it is important to have a plan rather than choosing to get behind the wheel.
The Texas Department of Transportation indicates that over 1,200 people died as a result of impaired driving in 2025. For this reason, planning how one is going to get home before the night out is important.
Even if they aren’t drinking, a person may not be able to drive for a number of reasons, which can include everything from fatigue to distraction to feeling unable to adequately concentrate on their tasks. An extremely tired person at the end of a night can present just as much danger as an impaired driver, which is why it is important to plan ahead and not risk getting behind the wheel if the designated driver is not able to drive.
Making Transportation a Part of the Plan
Transportation doesn’t have to be complicated, nor does relying on a backup plan mean the night has gone unexpectedly. Planning ahead simply means that an individual knows their options and is prepared for the evening.
Before going out for the night, one should make a checklist of not only who is going to drive for the night, but also a list of contacts who may be able to safely drive them back to their home should their designated driver feel too tired or be unable to drive. Always ensure that a charged phone is available before venturing out at night, and remain cautious after the night is over. It could make the difference in safely arriving home.
FAQ Section
When should a group choose a designated driver?
A group should choose a designated driver before the outing begins to ensure that expectations are clear.
What should someone do if their original ride home is unavailable?
Switching to a planned backup, such as another sober driver or a rideshare service, can be an option when an original ride home is unavailable.
Why is backup transportation useful?
Plans can change, and having another option to get home reduces the reliance on last-minute decision-making. It can also be safer than driving while impaired.
