Our No DUI NoCo steering committee of police officers, public health workers, students, bar owners and budtenders has seen firsthand how everyday decisions can change lives in an instant. We’ve seen the ripple effects of impaired driving across Northern Colorado: families impacted, futures altered, and communities shaken.
Preventing impaired driving doesn’t just happen when you’re about to get behind the wheel. It also happens in conversations with your parents, between friends, at parties – before someone ever picks up their keys.
For parents: Check out our articles about How to Start Talking Early About Alcohol and How to Talk to Your Teen About Impaired Driving.
If you’re a teen or young adult, you have more influence than you think. Speaking up could save a life. Here are 7 tips to talk to your friends about impaired driving.
Why Speaking Up Matters
Young people ages 16-24 are the most likely to be involved in impaired driving crashes.
It’s not because young people don’t care. Misinformation spreads, situations move fast, and decisions are often made in groups. When no one speaks out, risky choices can feel normal.
Prevention is a shared responsibility. It’s not about calling someone out; it’s about looking out for each other.
Tip #1: Emphasize Care
Enter the conversation with the mindset of, “I’ve got you.” Talking to your friend about impaired driving doesn’t have to be awkward or confrontational. In fact, it’s most successful when it comes from a place of care. Focus on friendship and safety.
Here are some lines you can use:
- “Hey, I’m not feeling good to drive either. Let’s figure out a ride for both of us.”
- “I’m worried about you driving. I can drive you home instead.”
- “I don’t want any of my friends to get pulled over. Why don’t you crash here tonight and drive home tomorrow?”
You’re not there to judge. You’re just showing up.
Tip #2: Make the Plan Before You Need It
The easiest conversation to have is the one before anyone is impaired; a friend who is drunk or high is less likely to exercise good judgment. This is part of our campaign to “Make the Call” – making the decision ahead of time so there’s no pressure later.
Before a night out:
- Decide who’s driving; that person is making a commitment to stay sober, not just drink less, for the night
- Talk about backup options (Uber, Lyft, parents, spending the night)
- Make a pact: No one drives impaired
Tip #3: If Someone is Already Impaired…
Be direct and confident when you step in. You don’t need a perfect script.
Here are some options:
- Most direct – “You shouldn’t drive right now.”
- Offer solutions – “I’ll set up a ride.”
- Use the group – “We agreed we’d all get home safe.”
- Finally, take the keys – It’s uncomfortable in the moment, but it could prevent something far worse.
Remember: a little discomfort now is nothing compared to the consequences of impaired driving.
Tip #4: Use Personal Stories
Share a story about yourself or a friend making the right choice in the moment, or making the wrong one and the consequences that come with it.
Here are some story examples:
- “I’ve had to take the keys from someone before. They were mad at the moment, but they thanked me for it the next day. I know you’re upset with me now, but I’m doing this because I care about you.”
- “I had to call my parents once after getting high. I was worried about what they would say, but I called and they showed up. The ride home was awkward, but I was still glad I did it because the alternative could be a lot worse.”
- “I’m not letting you drive after drinking. I’ve already lost one friend who thought they would be okay to get home because it was just a short drive. I’m not letting that happen to you.”
- “I drove once after an edible because I felt fine. I didn’t realize my reaction time was slower than usual and I rear-ended someone. I had to pay a fine, my insurance costs way more now, and it’s on my record. Trust me, it wasn’t worth it.”
- “One time when I was at a party, everyone knew this person had had too much to drink, but no one said anything about it. He was there on his own. The next morning, it was all over the school that someone was in the hospital after a crash – it was the same guy. Even though none of us intended for him to get hurt, none of us prevented it. The guilt stuck with me.”
Tip #5: Offer Alternatives
Alternatives make it easier for someone who is impaired to accept help. Common options include:
- Letting friends spend the night
- Offering to be the designated driver
- Helping someone get an Uber or Lyft
- Encouraging a friend to call their parents (or, if they are too impaired, making the call for them)
Pro tip: If you’ve been drinking too, model good behavior by calling a ride for both of you. Positive peer reinforcement works the same way as negative peer pressure.
Tip #6: Expect Pushback
People who are drunk or high don’t always respond well in the moment. Don’t be surprised if your friend reacts differently than they would if they were sober.
Common pushback you might hear includes:
- “I’m fine” or “I feel normal”
- “I live really close” or “It’s a short drive”
- “I’ve done this before and nothing bad happened”
- “I’m a really good driver”
- “Marijuana doesn’t affect me when I drive”
- “I ate something/drank coffee, so I’m sober”
Trust us when we say we have heard those stories, too, and we know how they end (read this story about a woman who shared her story about having one drink and being arrested for a DUI). Stay calm and consistent. Stick to your message: Even if nothing bad happens, I care too much to let you risk it.
Tip #7: Use “Outs” for Peer Pressure
If someone is encouraging you to drive impaired – or get in the car with an impaired driver – here are some easy outs to avoid peer pressure:
- I don’t need a ride, someone is already coming to pick me up.
- My parents will take away my car.
- No way – I know someone who lost their license.
- Ugh, my mom would be so pissed. She always finds out.
- I’m actually going to stay a little longer.
- I’m not trying to get grounded again.
Sometimes, a simple “no” isn’t enough to deflect peer pressure; that’s when these redirections come in handy.
Pro tip: Make a bailout code with your parents, so you can text something like, “I forgot to feed the dog” in exchange for a ride home. Your parents can park down the street or around the block, so you don’t lose face.
Make the Call: Be the Friend Who Changes the Outcome
In our organization, we often say that impaired driving doesn’t always look like what people expect. It’s not always outright reckless behavior — sometimes it’s someone who genuinely thinks they’re okay to drive. That’s why your voice matters.
You might be the only person who speaks up. You might be the reason someone gets home safely. You might change the entire outcome of a night.
Ending impaired driving in Northern Colorado takes all of us. Law enforcement, schools, families — and especially young people looking out for each other. So next time you’re in that moment, remember:
- You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference.
- You just need to care enough to speak up.
Make the call for a safe ride.
Make the call to speak up.
Make the call that could save a life.
Because real friends don’t let friends drive impaired.
No DUI NoCo is a regional coalition working to end impaired driving in Northern Colorado through education, outreach, and community partnerships.
Follow No DUI NoCo on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more ways you can combat impaired driving in our community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if my friend insists they’re “fine to drive”?
Stay calm, but be firm. People who are impaired often overestimate their ability to drive safely. Repeat your concern, offer alternatives like calling a ride or staying the night, and involve others if needed. If it comes down to it, taking the keys or getting help from a trusted adult may be the safest option.
- Can I really get in trouble for riding with an impaired driver?
Yes – and more importantly, it puts your safety at serious risk. Even if you’re not the one driving, choosing to ride with someone impaired increases your chances of being involved in a crash. It’s always okay to say no and find another way home.
- How can parents support their teens in preventing impaired driving?
Start conversations early and keep them ongoing. Set clear expectations, create a no-questions-asked ride policy, and help your teen plan ahead for social situations. Teens are more likely to make safe choices when they know they have backup and support from home.
- Does marijuana affect driving the same way as alcohol?
It affects driving differently, but it still impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Many people underestimate how much marijuana impacts their ability to drive safely. The safest choice is the same: if you’ve used any substance, don’t drive.