National Drunk Driving Prevention Month

It's no coincidence that December has been designated as the National Drunk Driving Prevention Month. This is a time to throw parties and celebrate with your friends and co-workers, but please do so responsibly.

In 2005, a total of 43,443 traffic fatalities occurred in the U.S., 39% (16,885) of which were alcohol related. During the holidays, the percentage of drunk-driving incidents typically increases. Among the alcohol-related fatalities, 86% (14,539) involved a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 0.08 g/dL.

The BAC is the amount of alcohol absorbed into your bloodstream . This level can be affected by many factors such as weight, gender, amount of alcohol and food consumed, and medications. This is what the breathalyzer tests. The legal level for a driver is less than .08 g/dL.


Myths and Facts About Drinking and Driving from MADD:

Myth: Coffee can sober up someone who has had too much to drink.
Fact: Only time sobers. It takes about one hour to oxidize each drink.

Myth: Hard liquor is more intoxicating than beer or wine.
Fact: A 12-ounce can of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol and the same intoxication potential as 1 1/2 oz. of liquor.

Myth: Someone who has had too much to drink will look intoxicated.
Fact: Someone’s physical appearance can be misleading. One drink can impair someone’s ability to drive. Judgment is the first thing affected when someone has been drinking.

See here for safe party tips for the holidays.

Reference: MMWR, Traffic safety facts, 2005 data: alcohol, MADD, CDC.