Tips for a Drunk Driving-Free Christmas
21 December 2000
Tips for a Drunk Driving-Free Christmas Leading National Expert on Alcohol-Traffic Safety Available for Interviews
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 The high-risk driving Christmas-New
Year's period has arrived, and one of the nation's leading alcohol-traffic
safety experts is available to discuss efforts to curb drunk driving this
holiday season, including "safe holiday tips" to keep your friends and family
"drunk driving-free."
WHEN: Today through January 1, 2001
WHO: JOHN MOULDEN, President of the National Commission Against
Drunk Driving (NCADD), and Chair of the National Drunk &
Drugged Driving Prevention Month coalition -- a December
holiday education and enforcement campaign to combat impaired
driving. Prior to joining NCADD, Moulden spent 25 years as an
alcohol-traffic safety specialist with the National
Transportation Safety Board and the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.
WHERE: John Moulden is based in the Washington, D.C. area. He is
available for interviews by phone or in-person to discuss
precautions party hosts and holiday revelers can take to
prevent drunk driving.
WHY: An increase in traffic, the number of parties, and the number
of people consuming alcohol can contribute to a jump in
alcohol-related traffic deaths and injuries during the
Christmas holiday period. Impairment for some can begin with
the first drink. The three most critical driving skills --
vision, reaction and judgment -- are affected when alcohol
enters one's system.
The NCADD reminds everyone that drunk driving is not an accident -- it's a
preventable crash and a violent crime. That is why many communities are
sponsoring free taxicab services this holiday season to ensure a safe rides
home.
In the Washington, D.C. area, for instance, the Washington Regional
Alcohol Program is sponsoring a "SoberRide" program until January 2 between 8
p.m. and 4 a.m. To access this service, dial 1-800-200-TAXI.
For general information, visit the NCADD Web site at http://www.ncadd.com
Tips for Party Givers:
1. When your guests arrive, collect their car keys. That way, when they
are ready to leave, they must get a second opinion on whether they're sober
enough to drive home.
2. Always serve food with alcohol, such as high protein and carbohydrate
foods like cheese and meats. They stay in the stomach much longer, which slows
the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.
3. Have several jiggers or self-measuring one-ounce bottle spouts at the
bar to mix drinks. Guests are less likely to drink excessively when standard
measures are used.
4. If you serve alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base such as fruit
juice. The body absorbs alcohol faster when mixed with carbonation.
5. Serve non-alcoholic beverages. It's possible that some guests will not
want to drink alcohol.
6. Do not force drinks on your guests or rush to refill their glasses
when empty. Some guests may not wish to appear rude and will accept drinks
they do not want.
7. Stop serving alcohol about 2 hours before the party is over. Guests
then have time for their bodies to absorb the alcohol. Serve coffee or other
non-alcoholic beverages as well as food.
When the Party's Over:
If one of your guests has been drinking and shouldn't drive, please don't
give them back their car keys and let them drive. They could hurt themselves
or others and maybe just a little persuasion from you could mean the
difference between life and death.
* Suggest that you or a sober friend drive your alcohol impaired
friend home. Their car can always be picked up at another time.
* Suggest that your impaired friend stay overnight in your home. This
may sound inconvenient, but you could be saving your friend's, or
someone else's life.
* Have your friend taken home in a taxi. Pay for the ride. It's hard
to object to a free ride.
* Whatever you do, don't give in. Friends don't let friends drink and
then drive. In the morning, you'll have a safer and maybe an even
closer friend.
REMEMBER:
* One drink = 5 oz. of 12 percent wine OR 12 oz. of 5 percent beer OR
1 1/2 oz. of 80 proof liquor
* Neither coffee nor a cold shower will help sober someone up. Only
time can do that.
Non-Alcoholic "Mocktails":
Designated Driver's Delight
* 2 1/2 oz. orange juice
* 1 1/4 oz. pineapple juice
* 1 1/4 oz. cranberry juice
* 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
* 3-4 frozen strawberries
Mix in a blender until smooth. Serve in a hurricane glass with an orange
slice and a strawberry.
Coffee Eggnog
* 2 eggs, separated
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1/3 cup instant coffee
* dash salt
* 2 cups milk, chilled
* 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
* shaved, unsweetened chocolate
In a small bowl with electric mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until
soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar until stiff peaks form. In large
bowl, beat egg yolks until lemon colored. Gradually beat in coffee, salt,
vanilla, milk and 3/4 cup water. Stir in egg-white mixture and whipped
cream. Mix well. Serve well chilled, with chocolate sprinkled over each
serving. Makes 12 servings.
