As a girl who finished freshman year without a single drink, I know more than most about designated driving.

From making multiple trips to Tigerland a night to driving up and down the beach in Gulf Shores, I’ve done it all.  I’m the girl everyone knows to call, because there’s a 100% chance I’m sober.  Sometimes I wonder why I don’t have my own taxi service.  At times it’s a pain to drop what I’m doing and pick up whoever decided to grace Tigerland with their presence that night, but I usually don’t mind.  I can count on an entertaining ride home with the possibly of a few perks along the way.  Here are three ways to get something out of your next night as a designated driver if your riders aren’t already throwing cash at you (Happens all the time. Not.).

1. Stop for food.  There’s nothing better than some late-night Hungry Howies.  It’s guaranteed that drunk people want food, so let them pay for yours too.  I’ve found they’re a lot more generous with their money than usual.

2. Stop for gas.  It works perfectly if your fuel light happens to be on, but, regardless, stop at a gas station and ask the car if they have a few bucks to put toward gas.  People usually search their wallets for some spare dollars, and, with a whole car full, you’ve got more than enough gas money.  It never hurts to get some free gas.

3. Get cash for a carwash.  Hopefully you can skip this step, but unfortunately I’ve had people throw up in my car more than once.  When it happens, there’s nothing you can do except pull over as quickly as possible, and, if you’re really good, have plastic bags to give them.  In my experience, the pukers are really embarrassed and apologetic, and they are more than happy to give money for a carwash. 

Hopefully you’ve picked up a few new clever ideas for when you do the job no wants to do.  Believe it or not, DDing can be a fun time if you appreciate the amusement.  Happy driving!

Photo courtesy of 123rf.com/profile_nobilior.