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11 Ways to Stay Safe at College Parties

9/7/2021

MBD Marketing and Events is working hard to support the Colorado State funded campaign, "No DUI Larimer" which is in its 5th year of DUI prevention and education. This month we are focusing on safe partying. With so many universities in a concentrated area, we have thousands of college students back to school this Fall. Statistically, this time of year yields this highest number of DUIs, fatal accidents and hospitalizations for young adults.

Every August, Larimer County welcomes tens of thousands of college students back to campuses in Fort Collins and Loveland (and in the other university towns that surround us). With that influx of students comes increased DUI risk, especially for freshmen in their first six weeks of school. Research shows that not only are these first six weeks the most risky, they are the time college students form drinking habits for the remainder of their time at school.

At No DUI Larimer, we don’t expect college students not to drink (or use marijuana). Instead, we encourage safe drinking and use habits.

Whether you’re new to college this year or about to graduate, try these tips to stay safe at your next college party.

Go with a buddy – If you’re going with a large group, divide into pairs so each person is responsible for one other. It’s much easier to keep track of one person after a few drinks than to try to remember who you came with and be sure everyone is accounted for. So buddy up, and look out for your partner throughout the night. Make a plan for how you’ll get home at the end of the night, and don’t leave until your partner is accounted for.

Eat and drink (water) first – Not only will this give you energy to get through the night, it will lessen the negative impacts of drinking alcohol.

Don’t leave drinks unattended – It takes less than a second for someone to slip a substance into your drink without your knowledge, and date rape drugs are designed to be odorless, tasteless, and colorless. Don’t trust that your friend or acquaintance watched your drink the whole time you were in the bathroom or getting some fresh air.

Don’t accept drinks from others – For the same reasons you should never leave your drink unattended, you also should not accept drinks from others. This includes your friends, who may have set the drink down and inadvertently given someone else the chance to add unwanted substances to it. Likewise, don’t drink from communal containers.

Maintain situational awareness – Be aware of your surroundings. This is easier said than done when you’ve been drinking, which is why it’s important to utilize the buddy system and pace your consumption.

Keep an emergency kit with you – Have a small kit with your ID, phone, keys, and cash or credit card that you can keep on you at all times. Do not set this down or keep it in a loose pocket. If you have space, a phone charger or backup battery is also a good idea.

Plan ahead, and stick to your limits – Decide before you start drinking how many drinks you plan to have. Keep a tally on your phone or have a sober buddy keep track for you. Picking a number and having someone keep you accountable are the easiest ways to keep your intoxicated self from having “just one more.”

Pace yourself – Just as important as the number of drinks you consume are the intervals at which you consume them. A good rule of thumb is one (or fewer) drinks per hour. Three shots taken in three minutes will leave you far more intoxicated and at-risk than three shots taken over the course of three hours.

Don’t leave with someone you don’t trust – Don’t trust your instinct that someone seems like a good person when you’re intoxicated. The best plan is to leave with the buddy you arrived with. If you can’t, make sure your friends know when you are leaving and who you are leaving with, and that you have a way to call 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t walk alone – Especially after dark, stay on well-lit, busy streets as much as possible and don’t stray from your buddy. This helps keep your buddy safer, too.

Make the Call for a sober ride home – If you drove, biked, or walked to a party but don’t feel you can get home safely, leave your car or bicycle secured and get a ride home. Even if something happens to your vehicle, your life is far more valuable. You can ride with your friends, or, if you become separated from them, send a text or leave a voicemail letting them know when you’re leaving and which ride service you’re using. If you live in Larimer County, get $10 off a zTrip ride by texting #NoDUI to 970-224-2222. This code can be used once a month, every month. Or, check out our list of all ride services available in northern Colorado.

Follow No DUI Larimer on Facebook and Instagram for more safe drinking tips and local news.

Tips for Creating Healthier Drinking Habits

1/18/2021

As the Marketing company for Partner's No DUI Larimer Initiative, we are working hard to provide our Colorado Community with education and helpful, healthy tips.

You may have heard the term “Dry January” before. Healthier drinking habits are a common New Year’s resolution – but cutting back is easier said than done when alcohol has become part of your daily or weekly lifestyle or is something you use to cope with life’s challenges.

Maybe you’ve experienced negative health effects because of your drinking, or it’s interfering with your interpersonal relationships and ability to function in everyday life. Maybe you just want to start the New Year off with a more focused, healthier you. Either way, here are some tips for cutting back gradually.

1. Set a goal
Start by writing down some current stats: How many days per week you drink, how many drinks you have, and – if some of those drinks are extra large – how many servings of alcohol you have in that time frame.

Set an easy goal to start with. One less drink per week or day is a great place to start. You can even offer yourself a non-alcoholic reward for each day or week you meet your goal.

2. Measure drinks
You may think to yourself, “I only have one drink at the end of each day,” but consider the size of your drink. One serving of alcohol is: one can of beer; 9 fluid ounces of malt liquor (a stronger lager or ale), 5 ounces of wine, or a 1.5-fluid-ounce shot of hard liquor like gin, vodka, or tequila.

If cutting down your number of drinks sounds too difficult at the start, first make sure that each drink is truly just one drink by measuring your alcohol.

3. Make your drinks smaller
If daily drinks are your go-to and less frequency seems daunting, try cutting down even more. Try a half serving of alcohol or even just a few sips at a time. Make a mixed drink with half a shot of hard liquor instead of a full-sized shot. Savor a few sips of wine like you’re a sommelier.

4. Drink lots of water
Drink a glass of water before an alcoholic drink, and alternate each alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one. Staying hydrated will help your body process the alcohol, and your stomach will fill up more quickly, naturally limiting the amount of alcohol you can drink in one sitting.

5. Eat while drinking
Similarly, eating before drinking can reduce alcohol cravings, fill your stomach with something other than alcohol, and slow the speed at which you become impaired. If you find yourself always craving alcohol at a certain time of day, time your meal then. Savor your food, enjoy your favorite TV show, and see if the cravings pass.

6. Set a budget
Set a monthly or weekly budget for alcohol based on your servings goal or a financial goal, and stick to it. One technique for sticking to this budget is to buy a gift card at the beginning of the week or month to your go-to liquor store; when the gift card is gone, you’ve reached your limit until you buy your next gift card.

Each time you meet your budget goal, treat yourself to a reward with some of the money you’ve saved.

7. Count your drinks
Sometimes, simply realizing the number of drinks you’re having regularly can be a wake-up call. Start keeping a tally as you drink. When you’re impaired, you may not realize how quickly you’re getting to three, or five, or more drinks.

If you’re shocked by your number, try reducing it by one at a time. Before you start drinking, measure out your goal number of drinks, and then hide the rest of the alcohol. When you’ve finished what you set out, you’re done drinking.

8. Drink-free day(s)
Another solution if frequency is your issue is to start with a drink-free day each week. Maintain that for a month (longer if you’re really struggling), then reduce your weekly drinking days by one more the following month.

9. Avoid triggers
Often, the situations in which you typically drink become triggers to drink. Start eliminating these situations from your life. If you often drink with a certain group of people, start seeing them individually, in a different setting, or not at all. If it’s a place that’s your trigger, it’s best to avoid it altogether. If it’s a certain time of day, try eating a meal and/or planning a fun activity for that time of day as a distraction.

10. Be able to say “no”
You probably won’t be able to altogether avoid situations where others are drinking. Whether it’s friends, coworkers, or a server at a restaurant or party, be able to say “no, thank you.” If you’re worried about the social pressure to drink, practice what you’ll say before heading into a situation where others are likely to be drinking. Be confident in your decision; your health is most important.

Benefits of cutting back on alcohol consumption
You can start to feel the benefits of cutting back immediately. Here are some short term effects you can look forward to:

Feeling better in the morning
Being less tired during the day
Better looking skin
Easier weight management

Long term benefits include:

Better sleep
Stronger immune system
Healthy heart
Better judgment
Better interpersonal relationships, if drinking was affecting your behavior toward others
Stable mood (alcohol is associated with mood swings, depression, and anxiety)

If you find that you can’t cut down, you may need help to quit drinking. If you have developed an alcohol use disorder, drinking may no longer feel like a choice. Never try to stop drinking cold turkey if you drink large quantities regularly; the effects of alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. If you find yourself at this point, it’s best to seek professional help.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to get support and local resources.
Make the Call.

Make the Call for a Ride Home in Larimer County

12/10/2020

If you’re out drinking or using drugs and need to Make the Call for a safe ride home, we’ve got you covered. No DUI Larimer has compiled a list of ride services throughout our county. Just scroll down to your city for name, description, and contact information for each service.

Fort Collins

zTrip: Ride services for northern Colorado with flat rate pricing. Runs 24 hours. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get $10 off a zTrip EVERY month, text #NoDUI to 970-224-2222.
Contact: Use the app or call 855-MY-zTrip

Lyft: Pricing based on demand. Runs 24 hours as long as drivers are available. Download the Lyft app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also sign up or get an estimate here [https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/fort-collins-co].
Contact: Get help through the app or online.

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night rides. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Ram Ride x Lyft: A taxi service for Colorado State University students that runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Ram Ride now pairs with Lyft to provide discounted rates (up to 50% off, up to $10 off per ride) to current CSU students. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: 970-491-2248 until 5 p.m. or through the app

Transfort (currently FREE due to COVID-19): Fort Collins’ bus service. Does not run late at night. Check the schedule at www.ridetransfort.com.
Contact: 970-221-6620

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

FLEX: City bus system with routes between Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Fare is $1.25 per ride per adult – exact change required. Does not operate on certain holidays or very late at night. See the current schedule here [http://www.ridetransfort.com/routes/flex].
Contact: 970.221.6620

Loveland

zTrip: Ride services for northern Colorado with flat rate pricing. Runs 24 hours. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get $10 off a zTrip EVERY month, text #NoDUI to 970-224-2222.
Contact: Use the app or call 855-MY-zTrip

Lyft: Pricing based on demand. Runs 24 hours as long as drivers are available. Download the Lyft app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also sign up or get an estimate here [https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/fort-collins-co].
Contact: Get help through the app or online.

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

COLT (City of Loveland Transit): Loveland’s city bus service. Adults 18-59 ride for $1.25. Check the schedule and routes at https://www.cityofloveland.org/services/public-works/bus-service. Does not run late at night.
Contact: (970) 962-2700

FLEX: City bus system with routes between Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Fare is $1.25 per ride per adult – exact change required. Does not operate on certain holidays or very late at night. See the current schedule here [http://www.ridetransfort.com/routes/flex].
Contact: 970.221.6620

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night rides. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Estes Park

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Estes Park Shuttle Service (FREE): Offers limited hours during the winter. Park at the town’s free parking structure (near the Estes Park Visitor Center) to pick your car up later. Currently operates on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Runs continuously, no reservations required. View the current schedule here [https://www.visitestespark.com/plan/getting-around/free-shuttle-buses/].
Contact: 970-577-3957 if you have questions

Eddie Limo: Offers luxury transportation for special events. Must book ahead of time. Services mountain cities, even in winter.
Contact: 303-803-7363

Colorado Canyon Connection: Offers one-way trips in town for $10 and round-trip for $15. Operates 24 hours; pickups requested between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. cost an extra $5. Out-of-town trips are available for a different fee.
Contact: 970-614-8669 or book in advance online [https://www.coloradoshuttleservice.com]

Windsor

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

Sapphire Car Service: Luxury taxi service, happy to accommodate short rides for individuals. Does not require advance booking. Contact Sapphire Car Service for more information.
Contact: 979-545-0919

Next time you’re out in Larimer County, Make the Call for a safe ride home!

The No DUI Larimer coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving.

Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency–please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired.

Ending impaired driving is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and the community. We need your help to stop impaired driving before it happens, and when it’s happening. Thanks for doing your part.

-Partners, RAR, MBD Marketing & Events

NoCo Boo's & Booze 2015

8/19/2015

We've had lots of inquiries about our annual Halloween party, NoCo Boo's & Booze!
Thanks for all your continued support!!!!

The My Big Day staff met to talk about all the 'Signature Events' we offer, and we've decided to take our Halloween party to a new level! There are tons of new things in the works. As a result....

***Note***
NoCo Boo's & Booze is on hiatus for 2015!
We are working on our BIG idea for next year (2016)!
You're going to LOVE it!
We can't spill the beans on what we are planning, but we CAN tell you that it's
NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE!

Stay tuned!!!

Stay Safe This New Year -- Don't Drink & Drive

12/28/2014

My Big Day will provide this list at our annual New Year's Eve party. But if you are heading to another NYE party in Northern Colorado and don't have a DD, this list could be your best friend!

Northern Colorado Car Services:
Trunk Drivers (970) 658-0806
Shamrock Yellow Cab (970) 224-2222
All American Limo & Taxi (970) 310-3727
Genesis Car Service (970) 599-9515
Central Car Service (970) 223-9933
Sapphire Car Service (970) 545-0919
NoCo Executive Comfort (970) 218-2964

NoCo Boo's and Booze Halloween Party: at the Mainline

9/17/2014

My Big Day Events presents our 7th annual Halloween party, "Noco Boo's and Booze!"
Spirited Halloween party people come from all over Northern Colorado!
(Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, Greeley, Berthoud, Timnath, Longmonth, Johnstown, Evans, Estes Park, etc.)

Formally called "Massacre on Mahogany," this party has grown year after year, and has moved to a new location!

This year we've partnered with The Mainline Ale House in Old Town to host the wildest Halloween Bash in NoCo. The entire upper level is a private party just for our VIP guests!

My Big Day is offering unbelievable ticket prices & value for everything you need for a memorable night out!

Tickets include:
-- Event Entrance to the Exclusive Top Level Party
-- 2 Drink Tickets Per Person
-- DJ/Dancing
-- Costume Contest & Prizes
-- Discounted Bar Prices
-- Signature Cocktails
-- Free Appetizer and Sodas for DD's
-- Discount at Life of the Party Costume Shop
-- A donation to our chosen non-profit, Partners Mentoring Youth

The place to be this Halloween in Old Town! This is not your next-door neighbor's house party... and this is not a teenagers club night.
This IS the perfect party for adults looking for a night out!

TICKETS

Sloshball DD's

7/12/2014

My Big Day event participants are safe party people!
And to help them stay safe and party smart, we consistently offer recommendations for local transportation services to help people get to and from their destination without having to worry about drinking and driving.

My Big Day's summer Sloshball event is a huge hit with Northern Coloradoans. While we like to 'throw them back on the field,' and 'kick them out of the park'... we don't like to foul out by getting behind the wheel sloshed!

As Northern Colorado grows, we have more services to choose from! Below are the companies that My Big Day has worked with and recommend for your next night out!

NoCo Short Bus Tours is partnering with My Big Day again to offer an incredible Sloshball deal. For groups traveling to the same area, NoCo Short Bus will only charge $10 per person- round trip to get you to and from home plate safely!

Contact Mechelle to arrange your ride!
(720) 515-0151

You can choose from taxis, limos, a personal driver, a traditional car service, or a short bus!

Trunk Drivers

NoCo Executive Comfort

Noco Short Bus Tours

Sapphire Car Service

Shamrock Yellow Cab

***Sloshball Tickets are on sale NOW!***
Purchase HERE

Getting Home Safely After a BIG Event

4/11/2014

My Big Day event participants are safe party people!
And to help them stay safe and party smart, we consistently offer recommendations for local transportation services to help people get to and from their destination without having to worry about drinking and driving.

As Northern Colorado grows, we have more services to choose from! Below are the companies that My Big Day has worked with and recommend for your next night out!
You can choose from taxis, limos, a personal driver, a traditional car service, or a short bus!

Trunk Drivers

Executive Comfort

Noco Short Bus Tours

Sapphire Car Service

Shamrock Yellow Cab

HOT TIP from My Big Day: New Limo Company in NoCo

2/5/2014

There is a new limo service in Northern Colorado!

They specialize in small parties, and 'late night' rides home.
The owner, Smokey, is our new buddy. His business, "Knight Rider Limo" wants to be on YOUR speed dial!

Put this number in your phone for your next night out, and you'll have your own, personal designated driver!
Knight Rider Limo: (970) 222-6984

You're welcome!
-My Big Day LLC

Stay Safe This New Year! Don't Drink & Drive...

12/31/2013

My Big Day urges fellow partiers to stay safe this New Year's Eve.

If you don't have a designated driver, please print the list of local car services in Northern Colorado, so you can get a ride home!

My Big Day will provide this list at our annual New Year's Eve party. But if you are heading to another NYE party in Northern Colorado and don't have a DD, this list could be your best friend!

Northern Colorado Car Services

Trunk Drivers (970) 658-0806
Shamrock Yellow Cab (970) 224-2222
All American Limo & Taxi (970) 310-3727
Genesis Car Service (970) 599-9515
Central Car Service (970) 223-9933
Sapphire Car Service (970) 545-0919