Alcohol-related Traffic Deaths Jump on New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is a fun time to celebrate but it can also be a dangerous time period when more drivers than usual drink and drive. Statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in 2004 90 people had died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in the 12-hour span between 6:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve and 5:59 a.m. the next morning. Four weeks later, on the same night of the week, the death toll dropped dramatically to 20.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that many myths about driving under the influence persist today despite education efforst. Here a couple myths the NIAAA is trying to dispel:
Myth: You can drive as long as you are not slurring words or acting
erratically.
Fact: The skills and coordination needed for driving are compromised long
before the obvious signs of intoxication are visible. In addition, the
sedative effects of alcohol, combined with the late night hours, place you
at much greater risk of nodding off or losing attention behind the wheel.
Myth: Drink coffee. Caffeine will sober you up.
Fact: Caffeine may help with drowsiness, but it doesn't counteract the
effect of alcohol on decision-making or coordination. The body needs time
to metabolize (break down) alcohol and even more time to return to normal.
There are no quick cures-only time will help.
More information can be found on the NIAAA's website.
