Despite prominent ad campaigns warning about the perils of drinking and driving, driving while intoxicated continues to be a major problem in this country. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John V
enditto issued his annual appeal for residents to stop and think before they drink and then drive this holiday season.
“Unfortunately, the round of celebrations with family and friends, which are so much a part of the holidays, sometimes leads party-goers to overindulge in alcohol,” said Venditto. “While many people have a heightened awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, with the holiday season underway, a timely reminder about the responsibilities of the party-goer, as well as the party-giver, might just make someone think twice.”
Venditto also reminded party hosts to offer non-alcoholic beverages as well and to avoid carbon-mixers as the carbonation speeds up the absorption of alcohol. Measure drinks and don’t ‘double up,’ and serve food to act as a buffer for the alcohol; high-protein, high-carbohydrate foods absorb alcohol at a higher rate than sugary foods. Other tips included staying away from salty foods, because they stimulate thirst and, most importantly, not to serve alcohol to any guest who is displaying obvious signs of intoxication.
“Give guests time between drinks to experience the effects of one drink before offering another. One drink an hour is about all the body can absorb,” said Venditto. “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.”
As the host, if you feel any of your guests are not in the condition to drive, arrange for them to go home with a friend who hasn’t been drinking 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,” said Venditto. “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,” he added. Another suggestion is to have the office party at a place that is within walking distance of the office, which avoids the issue of driving altogether.
“A party is a natural way to celebrate the holidays, but driving under the influence of alcohol puts your life, and the lives of everyone around you, at risk,” said Venditto. “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.”
