Before celebrating Memorial Day with friends and family, taking the time to create a plan can pay dividends by keeping you from being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Before heading to a barbecue or cracking open some drinks at a buddy’s house, please consider the following:

Choose a Designated Driver

We all know it’s wrong to drink and drive, but knowing and doing something to prevent it is different. Making sure you have a designated driver at your gathering can deter people from taking stupid risks like getting behind the wheel while buzzed. If your crew regularly gets together, having a rotating designated driver may be a workable option.

Pay For a Ride Home

Between traditional taxi companies and rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft, there are more options than ever before for getting home safely. It’s as easy as opening an app on your phone and pressing a few buttons.

Trade Your Keys for Your Feet

If you live close enough to walk, go ahead and do so. Better yet, hand over your keys earlier in the evening when you’re still sober to avoid any chance you’ll decide to risk driving home later on. Just make sure you have your phone charged before you head out in case you need to make a call along the way.

Stay the Night

Your hosts would rather have a houseguest for the night than be connected with a drunk driving accident.

After having a few drinks, these are all better options than getting behind the wheel. We wish you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day as you reflect on the sacrifices of our lost heroes.