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Drinking alcohol and then driving a car is taken very seriously in the United States. Not only is it against the law, but it’s frowned upon in American society, not to mention extremely dangerous.
Au Pair USA wants everyone to be safe and has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Never drive a car after drinking, even if you’ve only had one sip of alcohol!
If you’re caught drinking and driving, either by the police or your host family, the following could happen:
- Arrest by the police
- Receive an expensive ticket from the police and have to go to court
- Cancellation of your visa
- Ending of your au pair program early
- Having to pay for your own return flight home
- Inability to enter the U.S. in the future
- Causing damage to your host family’s or another driver’s car
- Inconveniencing your host family and causing them financial stress
- Hurting yourself or someone else
Avoiding drinking and driving is easy, as long as you have a plan. Stay safe by:
- Having a designated driver – a friend who will not drink any alcohol and will drive you home
- Calling a taxi or a rideshare service, like Uber or Lyft
- Taking public transportation
- Calling your host parents or someone who can come pick you up. (it’s better to ask for help than to get in trouble with the law)
- Not drinking
Drinking laws and cultures are different all around the world. Here are a few tips about consuming alcohol in the U.S.
- The legal drinking age is 21 years old. Do not drink if you’re under 21.
- If you’re 21 or older, do not buy alcohol for someone younger than you.
- Alcoholic drinks cannot be inside your car. You must keep them in the trunk, and they shouldn’t be opened already.
- In most places, it is illegal to consume alcohol in the street or other public places that are not designated otherwise.
- If you want to drink at a park or the beach, check the local laws. It may not be allowed.
- Don’t get into the car with a driver that has been drinking.
- If you’re 21 or older, ask your host family about their policy on drinking alcohol in their home.
Remember, as an au pair you are a role model for your host kids. Your behavior may have a big influence on their lives. Your host family cares about you and doesn’t want anything bad to happen to you. One small decision can negatively affect you for the rest of your life. Don’t drink and drive! It’s the law!
This post was originally published in September 2019 and was revised in September 2024 by other contributors.
