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Think before you drink this holiday Driving while intoxicated continues to be a major problem in this country, despite the continuing efforts of thousands of dedicated highway safety advocates to educate the public about the perils of drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationwide, every 40 minutes, one person dies in traffic accident involving an automobile or truck driver or a motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. With the holidays just around the corner, which usually brings an increase in alcoholrelated traffic accidents, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto issued his annual appeal for residents to stop and think before they drink and then drive this holiday season. “We all look forward to celebrations with family and friends during the holidays,” Supervisor Venditto said. “Unfortunately, the round of parties sometimes leads party-goers to overindulge. While many people have a heightened awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, I always feel that when Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s are just around the corner, a timely reminder about the responsibilities of the party-goer, as well as the party-giver, is in order. “If you are hosting a party and plan to serve alcohol, have non-alcoholic beverages available, as well. Avoid carbonated mixers as the carbonation speeds up the absorption of alcohol. Measure drinks and don’t ‘double up.’ Serve food to act as a buffer for the alcohol, but not salty foods, because they stimulate thirst. “Give guests time in between drinks to experience the effects of one drink before offering another,” Supervisor Venditto advised. “One drink an hour is about all the body can absorb. Never push guests to drink. Offer activities or entertainment as a diversion from drinking and eating. Stop serving alcohol at least two hours before the end of the party. And, before your guests leave, make sure they are capable of driving home safely. If you feel any of your guests is not in condition to drive, arrange for them to go home with someone else or invite them to stay overnight. “When it comes to office parties, I always suggest that employees arrange carpools with non-drinking employees doing the driving to and from the party. The designated driver system has become widely accepted by many groups, bars and college campuses. Some establishments will even pick up the tab for the designated driver’s drinks…non-alcoholic, of course. Another thought is to have the office party at a place that is within walking distance of the office. This avoids the issue of driving altogether.
“We all look forward to the holidays, and a party is a natural way to celebrate,” Supervisor Venditto commented. “By driving under the influence of alcohol, you put your life, and the lives of everyone around you, at risk. So please, if you’re going to drink, don’t drive, and if you’re going to drive, don’t drink. Don’t take the chance that a hospital room or funeral home will be the setting for your next gathering of family and friends.”
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