Think Don't Drink The Dangers fo Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving is the cause of death for thousands of Americans each year, and millions of people worldwide. When people consume too much alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a car, the results can be devastating. When people drink, their reflexes tend to slow, vision is blurred, and reaction time is much less prompt. All of these can result in very dangerous driving conditions. When someone is caught drinking and driving, police will often test the person's BAC or blood alcohol content. The BAC level is a measurement used to determine if the person drank beyond the legal limit. Acceptable or legal limits range from state to state. Most states have very strict laws regarding drinking and driving. Some states will permanently take away the driver's license, and many states also require high fines and jail time.

The two common terms for drinking and driving are DWI, which means driving while intoxicated, and DUI, which means driving under the influence. DWI can mean driving while under the influence of various substances, not just alcohol. Many people are arrested while driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, or just one or the other. Most localities take this charge very seriously, and penalties can be strict. Legal limits vary, but most states claim that anyone who has had approximately two to four drinks within a two-hour period has consumed too much to operate a motor vehicle. If the drinking and driving of someone results in a death, then that person may be found guilty of vehicular manslaughter, or worse. Mixing alcohol and drugs while driving can be an even more lethal combination. It is imperative that people going out for a night of drinking choose a designated, or sober, driver to take them home. If not, a taxi cab should be called to ensure that everyone arrives home safely. Many cities now have a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving, meaning that offenders will receive the harshest penalties the law allows on the first charge.

DWI/DUI Information – Some things everyone should know about DWI and DUI situations.
BAC Charts – This website has BAC charts for both men and women.

Drinking does not just occur in bars or clubs. Many times, people attend private parties and end up leaving the party thinking they are OK to drive home. As a party host, it is important to pay attention to your guests and make sure they are suitable to drive home. As a host, you can opt to make someone else who lives with you be the designated driver in case people need a ride. Offer to call your guests a cab to pick them up, and take everyone's keys at the door. Refuse to give someone their keys if they are unable to drive. New laws have begun to be passed that claim a party host is responsible for their guests in the event something happens such as a death resulting in drinking and driving. In cases like this, the host can actually be prosecuted, so it is imperative that anyone having a party be aware of their guests and make sure everyone has some kind of safe option to get home.

Parties – Some information from SADD regarding parties and how to make sure everyone stays safe.
Liability – An example of a party host who ended up being liable for someone else's injuries as a result of their guest drinking.
Party Hosts and DUI Death – Another article about a party host held responsible for DUI deaths.

Every year, tens of thousands of people die as a result of DUI related offenses. This number varies each year, but any death from drinking and driving is one death too many. Approximately 40% of each state's fatalities on the roads are alcohol related. Almost 700,000 people are injured each year as a result of drinking and driving. On a weekly scale, about 500 people die because of DUI related events every single week in the United States. About 80% of adults admitted to drinking and driving at least once. On average, police will arrest approximately 100-400 people each weekend on the roads of America who have been drinking and driving. It is imperative that people think before they get behind the wheel, and ask for help or find another way to get home if they've been drinking too much. It can save their life as well as the lives of innocent others on the roadways.

Drunk Driving Statistics – A compilation of stats from 1982-2008 on DUIs, DUI related deaths, and more, separated by year and/or state.
DUI Stats – Some more factual information regarding drinking and driving.

Organizations:

MADD – An organization of parents dedicated to preventing and educating people about drinking and driving.
SADD - An Organization of students dedicated to preventing and educating people against destructive decesions
Alcoholics Anonymous – If you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol, they should look into AA for help.
IDDPA – This organization is dedicated to helping families suffering from the negligence of others as a result of drinking and driving.

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