TIPS Drunk Driving Prevention & Safe Transportation Planning

Question 1

An intoxicated patron tells a TIPS-certified server they only live 'two minutes away' and plan to drive. What is the FIRST recommended intervention step?

Accepted Answer

Engage the patron in conversation and offer concrete alternatives to driving

Answer

Call 911 and report the patron's vehicle description

Answer

Physically block the entrance to prevent the patron from leaving

Answer

Alert nearby patrons to intervene on the server's behalf

Question 2

A common misconception TIPS training directly addresses is that drinking coffee will sober up a patron enough to drive safely. What does TIPS teach about this?

Accepted Answer

False — only time and liver metabolism reduce BAC; coffee only masks fatigue

Answer

True — caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, counteracting alcohol sedation

Answer

True — coffee reduces BAC by accelerating liver metabolism

Answer

False — cold water is the correct method to rapidly lower BAC

Question 3

When a server calls a rideshare for an intoxicated patron, TIPS guidance says the intervention is complete when:

Accepted Answer

The patron is safely inside the vehicle and the vehicle has departed

Answer

The server has opened the rideshare app and confirmed a driver is on the way

Answer

The patron has verbally agreed to take the rideshare

Answer

The manager has been informed that alternative transportation was arranged

Question 4

From a dram shop liability perspective, which scenario creates the MOST significant legal exposure for both the server and the establishment?

Accepted Answer

Serving a visibly intoxicated patron who subsequently causes an injury in a drunk-driving accident

Answer

Refusing service to a patron who later complains to management

Answer

Allowing a sober designated driver to pay for their intoxicated friend's last drink

Answer

Serving a patron who tests at exactly the legal BAC limit while driving home

Question 5

An intoxicated patron's sober companion offers to drive them home. According to TIPS principles, what is the correct server response?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the companion is sober, then assist in safely transferring the patron to their care

Answer

Refuse — only licensed transportation services are acceptable alternatives

Answer

Require the intoxicated patron to sign an incident report before leaving

Answer

Serve the sober companion a complimentary drink as a courtesy for taking responsibility

Question 6

A patron whose keys were voluntarily surrendered to the bar while drinking now wants them back, claiming they have sobered up. What does TIPS training recommend?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patron's current condition; if still showing signs of impairment, decline to return keys and offer transportation alternatives

Answer

Return the keys — the patron made a voluntary decision and has the right to reclaim their property

Answer

Call law enforcement before returning the keys under any circumstances

Answer

Return the keys but require a manager's signature on a liability waiver first