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This time of year - because of increased drivers on the roadways and the consumption
of alcohol - is often the deadliest. According to the Centers for Disease Control
16,885 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2005,
accounting for 39 percent of all traffic fatalities.
The Greater Spokane
Substance Abuse Council is announcing a free program to prevent further tragedies
from happening on area roadways. As part of the E.N.D.U.I. (Educating to Never
Drive Under the Influence) program, GSSAC is working with KXLY and KEZE along
with several local towing companies to provide free rides and tows home from Dec.
21 through Jan. 1, 2007. Transportation will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
"We
just want to keep these drivers off the streets," said Bettie Simmons of
AA Auto Salvage. "We would rather pick them up this way versus towing away
a wrecked vehicle due to impaired driving."
The safe ride program
can be contacted at 325-4594.
GSSAC offers a few reminders to party
hosts as ways to keep the holidays safe. First, avoid making alcohol the main
focus of social events. Entertain guests with music, dancing, games, food and
good conversation. Second, make sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks such
as fancy juice beverages, soft drinks, sparkling water, custom coffees and a variety
of non-alcoholic cocktails.
Make an effort to provide guests with nutritious
and appealing foods to slow the effects of alcohol. High protein and carbohydrate
foods are especially good. Avoid salty foods that encourage people to drink more.
Also, require bartenders to measure the correct amount of liquor into drinks (no
doubles) and instruct them to not serve anyone who appears to be impaired.
Serving
alcohol to anyone under 21 may have serious consequences, including fines and
jail time. People who do not drink prior to age 21 are four times less likely
to develop alcohol dependency.
Stop serving alcohol at least one hour
before the end of an event and recruit people ahead of time who will not be drinking
to help make sure everyone has a safe ride home. Click
here to...
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