If you haven’t heard already this holiday weekend is the first EVER state wide no refusal weekend. This means drunk drivers will be prosecuted in every county in the whole state of Texas from July 1- July 3. For people who plan on drinking and needing a way home this may pose a problem.

No refusal weekend means that a cop can pull you over and if there is any suspicion that you have been drinking, he can make you take a breathalyzer or a blood test.  No one wants, or can afford a DWI. Here are some ways to avoid drinking and driving that allow you to still have a good time.

1) Taking a Taxi

Most people complain that taking a taxi is too expensive. However, if you get together a group of friends to split the price then you will probably only end up spending one drinks worth of money. Plus, taking a taxi is great for dropping you off directly in front of the place you need to be. This means less time walking in those heels that kill your feet!

2) Taking the Bus

Although less convenient than a taxi, the bus is much less expensive. Check your local bus schedules and see if they drop off/pick up close to your favorite bar. This route will save you more drinking money!

3)  P.A.S.S.

Person appointed to stay sober. The new rhetoric for the DD is here. If there are no volunteers for sobriety then I suggest drawing straws, or possibly checking out my next bullet point.

4) House Party

Remember those days before you were 21, before you discovered bars, happy hours, and free shots? I do. Partying at home is much cheaper than it’s bar hopping counterpart. For the July 4th holiday, I say hitting up your apartment pool with a few beers to drink and burgers to grill might be the perfect solution to avoiding drinking and driving.

5) Walking

If you’re in to wearing sneakers and don’t mind walking a few blocks, I bet that there are  a few bars within walking distance of your house that you haven’t even checked out yet. Trying out new bars is fun and who knows, it might just become your new favorite spot!

Although most of you know that there are other options to drinking and driving, too many of us forget to use them. Save yourself (and others) the trouble and remember that drinking and driving is not the way to have a good time.

Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! If you think of any other alternatives tweet me up @allisonasbury!