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Saline health group making public aware of drinking dangers |
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Monday, 15 December 2008 |
Saline County’s health force is setting out to make people aware of the dangers related to alcohol and other substances.
Especially during the holiday season, the Saline County Hometown Health Coalition is promoting al-cohol awareness, coalition public health educator Janice Ray said.
The Substance Use and Abuse Subcommittee foc-used on the effort will present a program from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Paron Community Center.
December is designated as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Preven-tion Month, Ray said.
Every day, 36 people in the United States die, and about 700 more are in-jured, in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, acc-ording to statistics.
According to the Nation-al Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 3 in 10 Americans will be in-volved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives.
In 2006, 13,470 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly 32 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S.
In one year, more 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This accounts for less than 1 percent of the 159 million self-reported epi-sodes of alcohol–impaired driving among U.S. adults each year.
Alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost about $51 billion a year.
“During the holiday season, and year-round, it’s important to take steps to make sure that you and everyone you celebrate with avoids driving under the influence of alcohol,” Ray said.
She said following these tips from NHTSA can help people stay safe: Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins. Take the keys. Do not let a friend drive if they are impaired. Be a helpful host. If you’re hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, always offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
“Everyone is asked to attend and bring a friend” on Dec. 16 Ray said. “You will gain knowledge, networking and empowerment.”
For more information, call Jamie Mullins at 840-2122.
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