We’re approaching another New Year’s Eve, an evening
traditionally filled with parties and drinking. Have a good time,
but don’t follow the example of the seven people
– or the 138 in neighboring Santa Clara County – who imbibed got
behind the wheel of a vehicle and were arrested in San Benito
County last weekend.
We’re approaching another New Year’s Eve, an evening traditionally filled with parties and drinking. Have a good time, but don’t follow the example of the seven people – or the 138 in neighboring Santa Clara County – who imbibed got behind the wheel of a vehicle and were arrested in San Benito County last weekend.
Don’t make New Year’s Eve an evening filled with an easily preventable crash and arrest due to drunk driving.
The results of drinking and driving include some of the worst possible ways to welcome 2006:
n In a hospital with painful and possibly life-threatening injuries
n Sporting a toe tag in a morgue
n In a jail cell facing several thousand dollars of attorney fees, court costs, increased automobile insurance, loss of driving privileges and jail time
n Learning how to live with the guilt that you severely injured or killed someone
The worst part of alcohol-related crashes is that they’re so preventable.
If you’re in a group, designate a driver who won’t drink. Many restaurants and bars offer free nonalcoholic drinks for designated drivers. If you don’t have a sober driver, call a cab (Hollister Taxi is at 637-3378).
Mothers Against Drunk Driving reminds you to eat plenty of food while you’re celebrating, and offers these tips for party hosts to help reduce the number of drunk drivers:
n Don’t push drinks on guests
n Arranging for free or discounted hotel rooms for guests
n Plan activities and entertainment so that drinking is not the only focus of the event
n Close the bar at least 90 minutes before the end of the party; only time sobers someone who has been drinking
According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, if you’re driving while legally intoxicated, you’re 13 times more likely to cause a fatal accident than a sober driver. The National Commission Against Drunk Driving says that 41 percent of all traffic accidents are alcohol related.
It’s a simple fact that drinking alcohol reduces your ability to drive competently. If you’ve been drinking, don’t drive.
