There is plenty of summer left, here in British Columbia! If you remain in the mood to celebrate the warmest and sunniest of seasons, you can’t do much better than hosting a backyard barbeque. We’re talking about grilling burgers for the neighbours, smoking brisket for family or hosting a celebration with friends. A great gathering is about creating lasting memories.
However, as a responsible host, your job doesn’t end when dessert is served. It also means helping your guests to get home safely. Planning ahead can prevent impaired driving, reduce stress and ensure everyone enjoys the day from beginning to end.
Be a responsible host.
Hosting family and friends comes with an important responsibility. If you’re serving beer, wine, cocktails or cannabis as part of the festivities, it’s worth thinking about transportation before guests arrive. Encourage moderation, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and make sure everyone has enough to eat. You may also want to take the keys from any guests who appear intoxicated. Alternatively, you can offer to have them spend the night.
According to Catherine Dunwoody of BCLiving, setting up self-serve drink stations with water, lemonade or other refreshing beverages helps guests stay hydrated while enjoying the party. Food and thoughtful planning create a welcoming atmosphere, but they should never replace a safe ride home. The best hosts look after their guests long after the barbecue is over.
Encourage your guests to plan ahead.
Before the first burger hits the grill, remind guests to think about how they’ll be getting home. A simple text message with the invitation can make all the difference: “If you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks, please arrange your ride home before you arrive.”
Some guests may choose a designated driver, while others may prefer public transit or rideshare services. For those who want the convenience of driving their own vehicle home safely, a professional designated driving service is an ideal solution. Having a transportation plan before the party starts removes the temptation to make poor decisions later in the evening.
Book a designated driver before the party starts.
One of the easiest ways to avoid last-minute transportation challenges is to book MyDDride before your guests arrive. Unlike traditional rideshare services, MyDDride provides a professional designated driver who drives you home in your own vehicle. A second driver follows in a chase car. That means your guests will wake up the next morning with both themselves and their vehicles safely at home. There’s no need to retrieve a car the following day.
Pre-booking also provides peace of mind during busy summer weekends, when transportation services can fill up quickly.
Make safety part of your summer tradition.
A successful backyard BBQ isn’t measured only by great food and good conversation. It’s also about ensuring everyone gets home safely. As barbecue expert Chef Karl Gregg told BCLiving, great BBQ is all about “salt, pepper, time and patience.” The same philosophy applies to hosting. A little planning and patience before the party begins can help protect your family, your friends and everyone sharing the road.
Are you planning on hosting a backyard barbeque in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam or anywhere throughout the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley? MyDDride is ready to help make your summer gatherings both memorable and safe! Book your Designated Driver Service by calling or texting us at 604-283-8532. You may also visit our Contact page to schedule your designated driver today!