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Drink Responsibly

Date Posted: Wed, Dec 25 2013, Orlando Weekly
Drink responsibly

Safe rides, AA info and DUI resources in Orlando

By Lauren Killer
PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 25, 2013

Now that we’ve told you about all the cool spots where you can tie one on in this town, here comes the part where we rain on your parade a little. First, don’t drink and drive. Just don’t. Not sure how you’ll get from point A to point B? Plan ahead and find a designated driver. If you can’t find one, or you’d rather worry about that detail at the very last minute when you’re standing on a street corner with no idea how to get home, we’ve got a couple of resources for you. And just because we know that some of you won’t take our advice (and that others of you shouldn’t be drinking at all), we’ve gathered a couple of “oh shit” resources for you, too.

For when your DD drank on the job:

AAA Tow-to-Go operates statewide in Florida. It’s free for both members and nonmembers, and it offers confidential rides and tows within a 10-mile radius of your pickup location. It’s in operation from Dec. 20 through Jan. 1. The service, which will take both the driver and the vehicle home, is meant to serve as a last resort and is “offered based on availability of service technicians and tow trucks during times of high call volume.” In other words, don’t make this service your plan A – use it only if you really need it. If that’s the case, call 855-286-9246.

For when you’ve got the time and resources to plan ahead:

BeMyDD offers designated driver services at hourly rates and car pickup for a flat fee of $25. The goal is to get you home safely, so drivers go through an in-depth screening process for qualification. The way it works: Your designated driver operates your vehicle for you and waits with it while you drink up. Reserve a driver online at bemydd.com or by calling 877-823-6933.

Need a DUI lawyer? Didn’t mean to say we told you so, but we did. Here are a couple of places to start:

The FL DUI Group, 200 E. Robinson St., 321-256-1141, flduigroup.com; free case evaluation

Skubiak & Rivas Traffic Law Firm, 1516 E. Robinson St., 407-894-4449, trafficlawfirm.com

Maybe you have a New Year’s resolution you want to jumpstart:

Alcoholics Anonymous Central Florida Intergroup is the Orlando area’s online resource for AA. It lists 24 meeting places in Central Florida at cflintergroup.org; 24-hour hotline: 407-260-5408. Remember: You don’t need to be a member to attend meetings, and there are no membership dues. To join, simply attend an open discussion meeting.