Drunk Driving Awareness

Nationally, nearly 42,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes each year, and about 16,000 of these are alcohol-related.  That means that every 30 minutes, someone dies in an alcohol-related crash.  And last year alone, over one million people were injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes. (National Highway Traffic Safety Association).   Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is totally preventable.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT DRINKING AND DRIVING

How does alcohol affect a person's ability to drive?

Alcohol affects the ability to perform the tasks necessary to drive a car: braking, steering, changing lanes, and using judgment to adjust to changing road conditions.

How do you measure how much alcohol is in the blood?

A driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) is measured by testing the blood, urine, or saliva.

How can I protect myself from being injured in a car?

ü      Number one rule is "don't drink and drive and don't ride with anyone who has too much to drink."  The risk of collision for high BAC drivers is several hundred times higher than for a non-drinking driver.

ü      Volunteer to be a designated driver.

ü      Always use a safety seat belt.

ü      Avoid rural roads.

ü      Avoid travel after midnight (especially on Fridays and Saturdays).

ü      Drive defensively.

ü      Choose vehicles with airbags.

ü      Never use illegal drugs.

ü      Never drive when fatigued.

ü      Don't use a car phone, put on make-up, comb your hair, or eat while driving.  Drivers using cellular phones are four times more likely to have an accident than other drivers.

ü      Steer clear of aggressive drivers.

ü      Never let friends drive drunk.  Take their keys, have them stay the night, have them ride home with someone else, call a cab, or do whatever else is necessary - but don't let them drive!

The holidays are approaching, how can I be a good host?

During the holiday season, keep the "ZERO - ONE - THREE" guide in mind when planning a party - 

ü      ZERO - It is O.K. NOT to drink or serve alcohol at a party.  It is especially important not to serve alcohol to guests who are pregnant, chemically dependent, under 21, or designated drivers.

ü      ONE - One drink per hour sets the pace for moderate drinking.

ü      THREE - Three drinks per party is the moderation maximum.

During the party season, hosts should BE AWARE.  There is increased legal liability for party hosts.

ü      Encourage conversation and social interaction rather than heavy drinking.

ü      Serve food before beginning to serve drinks.

ü      Have a responsible bartender.

ü      Don't have an "open bar."  A responsible person needs to supervise consumption to make sure no one drinks too much

ü      Push snacks.

ü      Be sure to offer a diversity of attractive non-alcohol drinks.

ü      Respect anyone's choice not to drink.

ü      End your gathering properly.  Stop serving drinks well before that time.

What is Zero Tolerance Law?

Alcohol use by persons under the age of 21 is AGAINST THE LAW.  In November 1994, Michigan passed a strict ZERO TOLERANCE LAW with heavy penalties.  (Drivers under 21 who register a blood alcohol count (BAC) of .02 percent - equal to ½ beer - face license suspension, 4 points on their driving record, up to $250 fine, 45 days of community service, and MUCH higher insurance rates.) 

What can I do about drunk driving?

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offer the following suggestions:

ü      Your best defense against a drunk driver is to wear your safety belt and make sure any children in the car are in child safety seats.

ü      Never ride in a car operated by someone who has been drinking - call a cab or ask a friend to drive you home.

ü      Report drunk drivers to law enforcement from a car phone or pay phone.

ü      Keep a safe distance from anyone driving erratically.

 

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