Cheers to the New Year! Have a safe celebration.

2021-12-21
By: Advocate Brokerage

Celebrating the start of 2022 at a party on New Year’s Eve is a great way to end the year. It’s awesome to raise a glass with family and friends, just make sure that when the party is over, you don’t get behind the wheel. New Years Eve is one of the nights of the year with the highest incidence of drinking and driving.

 

48% of driving deaths on New Year’s Eve are alcohol related*

 

Despite all the warnings it’s surprising that adults still make the choice to drink and drive. In fact, it’s more common than you think. In a recent survey, 4.2 million adults admit to drinking and driving*. Many adult drivers believe that their experience behind the wheel means they can enjoy a drink or two and safely operate a vehicle.

 

Unfortunately doing so puts your family at risk. The statistics of children who have died in a drunk driving accident reveal something heartbreaking: of the 209 children 14 and under who lost their lives on New Year’s Eve in an alcohol related automobile accident, OVER HALF were riding in the vehicle with the drunk driver.

 

Know the facts about Blood Alcohol Concentration

• A Blood Alcohol Level of .08% or greater is above the legal limit.
• On average it takes your body an hour to process the alcohol in one drink.
• One drink is equal to .06 ounces of pure alcohol which is the amount in:
  • 12 ounces of beer
  • 5 ounces of wine
  • 1 shot of 80 proof liquor
• There are variables that can affect a person’s BAC. They include:
  • Age
  • Weight
  • How hydrated you are
  • Your metabolism
  • Any medications you are taking
• Drinking as little as 2 drinks* can have the following effects on your driving:
  • Decline in visual functions
  • Your ability to track a moving target is slower
  • Decline in your ability to perform 2 tasks at the same time

 

Final Words From Your Insurance

Driving after you have been drinking is not worth the risk. If you are going to a party where you plan on consuming alcohol, arrange for other transportation. With services such as UBER and LYFT becoming readily available, there really is NO reason for you to drive after you have had a drink. If you are hosting a party in your home and serving alcohol, don’t allow your guests to drive impaired. Help them to make other arrangements to get home safely. It is also important to refrain from serving alcohol to minors, you could be held liable if they are involved in an accident.

 

Stay Safe! Remember that one bad choice can destroy your family, your reputation and have far reaching affects that you can’t imagine!

 

*According to the CDC