Final answer:
Riding home with a friend who has not been drinking is the only option listed that helps ensure safe driving after alcohol consumption. Coffee and cold showers do not hasten the metabolism of alcohol, which is critical for sobriety.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure safe driving, especially when alcohol is involved, it is crucial to understand that only giving the liver enough time to metabolize the ingested alcohol can prevent alcohol toxicity. Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower does not speed up this process. The legal limit for intoxication is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08, and for a legally intoxicated person, achieving sobriety takes at least five hours after drinking stops. Therefore, amongst the options provided, riding home with a friend who has not been drinking is the safest choice.
It's also important to recognize that practicing safe behaviors plays a critical role in maintaining overall safety on the road. Using safety devices like seat belts, not engaging in risky behaviors, and ensuring that you are well-rested and alert before driving contribute to safer driving experiences.
Caffeine, like that found in coffee, can make you more alert and may improve concentration, but it is not a solution to the problem of driving under the influence. While caffeine is widely consumed for its psychoactive effects, it cannot counteract the effects of alcohol to make driving safe.