Driving Drunk, it’s not worth the risk!

2016-08-29
By: Denise Koslowsky

We’ve focused quite a bit in recent months talking about teen driving.  While young drivers provide quite a few talking points, with the end of summer and Labor Day celebrations around the corner we thought we would talk directly to our adult readers/drivers about driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

According to MADD: Every 53 minutes, a person is killed by a drunk driver.

 

However, during Labor Day Weekend that frightening statistic gets even worse: A drunk driver is killed every 34 minutes.

 

Despite the Dangers, Adults Still Drink & Drive
According to the CDC, 4.2 million adults admit to drinking and driving.  Part of the issue is that many adult drivers seem to think that because of their experience behind the wheel, they can handle drinking and driving. This is especially true for males who are three times more likely to get behind the wheel after having a drink or two.

 

Putting your family at risk
When you make the decision to get behind the wheel after you have had a drink or two, you are putting your family at risk.  Of the 209 alcohol related driving deaths that occurred in children 14 and under OVER HALF were riding in the vehicle with the impaired driver.

 

Advocate wants ALL drivers to keep in mind:

• Driving after you have had a drink simply is not worth the risk.
• If you plan on drinking arrange for other transportation, a designated driver, calling a cab or taking advantage of services like UBER, there really is NO reason for you to drive after you have had a drink.
• Don’t let your friends or family members drive after drinking.
• If you are hosting a party in your home and serving alcohol, don’t allow your guests to drive impaired.  Also, don’t serve alcohol to minors, you could be held liable if they are involved in an accident.
• Drinking can lead to bad decision making which can spiral out of control.  Always drink in moderation.

 

Stay Safe!  Given the risks of drinking and driving, just don’t do it!  That one bad choice can destroy your family, your reputation and can have a far reaching affect that you can even imagine!

Know the facts about BAC – 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 liquor
• There are many variables that can affect a person’s BAC including: age, weight, hydration, metabolism and medications you’ve been taking.
• According to the CDC drinking as little as 2 drinks can have the following affects on your driving:
  • Decline in visual functions so your ability to track a moving target is slower.
  • Decline in your ability to perform 2 tasks at the same time so it becomes hard for you to divide your attention as needed when driving.