Discussion on r/festivals has highlighted urgent concerns about dangerous driving practices after music festivals. Festival attendees strongly urge peers to prioritize safety by resting well, avoiding drugs and alcohol before driving, and considering overnight stays to break up long drives.
Key community takeaways:
- Fatigue and impairment close to festival end drastically increase accident risk.
- Many now follow personal rules: no drugs before driving and limited alcohol the day after.
- Booking a hotel post-festival to recharge is a widely recommended safety tactic, especially for 16+ hour drives.
- Public transport and ride shares are encouraged where available, though remote fest locations complicate options.
- Police in multiple countries apprehend significant numbers of impaired drivers leaving big festivals (e.g., Rhythm and Vines NZ, Shambhala BC).
Research supports these concerns:
- Large proportions of festival-goers travel by car, with non-negligible rates reporting recent drug use before driving.
- Alcohol consumption tends to correlate with less impaired driving, likely reflecting self-awareness, but risks remain significant.
Experts and safety organizations stress:
- Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving performance — zero tolerance is safest.
- Alternative transport or designated sober drivers save lives.
This conversation serves as a crucial reminder: the festival vibe shouldn’t endanger anyone on the road. Plan ahead, rest well, choose safe rides, and keep the trip home as much a part of the festival experience as the music itself.
Source: r/festivals