December/January 2008-2009

Holiday parties and alcohol – risks and prevention

The winter holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family, friends, and coworkers. Whether you are planning a dinner, informal gathering, or holiday party, your job as host is very important. Your many responsibilities include planning the menu or catering, organizing entertainment and considering space arrangements. However, some of the most crucial details can be overlooked in all of the frenzy. Perhaps your most important responsibility as host for a party or gathering where alcohol is involved is to take steps to ensure your guests’ safety— both during and after the celebration.

Drinking and driving is an all too familiar and tragic combination. More people are on the road, and they also are consuming alcohol as a part of their holiday celebrations. Statistics like the ones highlighted below remind us how important it is to plan an event where non-alcoholic beverages and alternative transportation options are available.

Since 1975, more than 190,000 lives have been saved through increased awareness and legislation related to alcohol-impaired driving. Still, impaired driving exacts too great a toll on American families.

Here are the facts according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: * In 2004, an estimated 13.5 percent of persons aged 12 or older (32.5 million persons) drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the 12 months before the interview.

* In 2004, 16,694 people were killed in alcoholrelated crashes—an average of one almost every half hour. These deaths constituted approximately 39 percent of the 42,636 total traffic fatalities. This is a 2-percent decrease from 2003, when 17,105 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes, representing 40 percent of the 42,884 people killed in all traffic crashes.

* An estimated 10.2 percent of 16-17-year olds, 20.2 percent of 18-20-year olds, and 28.2 percent of 21-25-year-olds reported driving under the influence of alcohol in 2004.

* In 2004, 42,636 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes and 16,694, or 39 percent, of these were alcohol related. Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and nonfatally injure someone every two minutes.

* In 2004, an estimated 248,000 persons were injured in crashes in which police reported that alcohol was present—an average of one person injured approximately every two minutes.

* Alcohol was involved in 39 percent of fatal crashes and in 7 percent of all crashes in 2004.

* The rate of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes is more than three times as high at night as during the day (60 percent vs. 18 percent). For all crashes, the alcohol involvement rate is five times as high at night (16 percent vs. 3 percent).

* In 2004, 51 percent of all fatal crashes that occurred on weekends were alcohol related.

* In 2004, 14,409 traffic fatalities occurred in crashes in which at least one driver or non-occupant had a BAC of 0.08 or greater.

By following the tips below, you can take steps to prevent impaired driving this holiday season.

Tips for Party Givers

* Avoid making alcohol the mainfocus of social events. Entertain guests with music, dancing, games, food, and lively conversation.

* Did you know that one in three adults prefers a nonalcoholic beverage? Make sure to offer plenty of nonalcoholic choices such as sparkling water, fancy juice drinks, soft drinks, and bottled drinking water.

* Provide guests with nutritious and appealing foods to slow the effects of alcohol. High protein and carbohydrate foods like cheese and meats are especially good. They stay in the stomach much longer, which slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol. Avoid salty foods, which encourage people to drink more.

* Require bartenders to measure the correct amount of liquor into drinks (no doubles), and instruct them not to serve anyone who appears to be impaired. Have the bartender check the ID of anyone who appears to be under the age of 30 (no ID, no alcohol).

* Stop serving drinks at least one hour before the end of the event. Instead, serve coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts at that time.

* Recruit people ahead of time who will not be drinking to help ensure that everyone has a safe ride home.

When the Party’s Over

Your responsibility as a host is even more important at this point. Should any of your guests be unable to drive due to alcohol impairment, be sure to provide several options. Be prepared to offer your guests alternate forms of transportation:

* Know what "safe ride" programs are available in your area.

* Keep the phone numbers of several cab companies handy.

* Ask someone who was not drinking to drive a guest home. If the above options are not available, you can offer your place to spend the night.

If the person insists on driving despite his or her obvious intoxication, take the keys, ask for help from other guests, or temporarily disable the car. If all else fails, inform the uncooperative and impaired guest that you will call the police (and do so if they leave).