Florida has set up a new program called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” in an effort to curb drinking and driving during the holiday season. Statistically, more accidents occur during the winter holiday season than during any other period of time. Approximately 30 percent of all traffic-related fatalities that occur in December involve alcohol.
About the Program
Police estimate that approximately 920 traffic-related deaths in 2011 involved the consumption of alcohol. State troopers established the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign in order to decrease the number of fatalities. The program hopes to get dangerous drivers who pose a risk to other holiday travelers off the road. The program commenced on December 12, 2012 and will run through January 1, 2013. State troopers will be actively searching for drivers who are impaired due to alcohol or drug abuse.
Potential Program Effectiveness
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sobriety checkpoints are effective in reducing the number of alcohol related traffic accidents. A systematic review of research was conducted by expert CDC scientists and was overseen by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. This review was conducted on 23 studies, on a domestic and international level. The research indicates that sobriety checkpoints result in approximately 20 percent fewer alcohol-related auto accidents. The studies indicated that the effectiveness of sobriety checkpoints did not wane as time went on, so sobriety checkpoints that are only instituted for a brief period of time are as effective as sobriety checkpoints that are long-term.
Steps to Avoid Crossing BAC Levels
The holidays present many opportunities to drink alcohol. However, there are several ways to ensure that you do not go over the legal blood alcohol level content.
*If you have a history of problems with alcohol, talk to your AA sponsor and communicate your holiday plans.
*Talk about your inhibitions with trusted friends and do not feel pressured to go to events that will make you feel uncomfortable.
*Make arrangements to check in during the holiday season.
*Do not take on too many responsibilities over the holidays that may elevate your stress level.
*Ask a friend to be a designated driver or volunteer your own services to ensure that someone will be able to safely transport individuals.
*When you go to a holiday party, drink slowly so that the alcohol has time to work its way out of your system.
*Limit your time at each location so that you do not have as much time to drink.
*Consider drinking virgin drinks that look and taste the same as many alcoholic drinks without the bad side effects.
*Having a meal with your drink can also help you slow down the effect of imbibing.
*Limit yourself to just one or two drinks.
*You can also plan an exit strategy so that you can leave quickly if you prefer by parking your vehicle in a location that will not allow it to be blocked in.
Holiday parties are a festive part of the season, but alcohol-related crashes do not have to be.
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