Break Point!

Too often when partygoers get intoxicated they think they are doing the right thing by walking home. Everyone knows you shouldn't drive drunk but many people are unaware of the fact that walking impaired has the same deadly consequences as driving.

According to NHTSA, 34% of all pedestrians 16 years and over killed in traffic crashes in 1998 were intoxicated. The numbers increase to 48% for those between 35 and 44. Research has shown that impaired pedestrians have very high blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) that indicate binge drinking and/or severe chronic drinking.

Here is some lifesaving information to make every step a safe one: If you are a pedestrian-

• Remember that alcohol affects your balance, impairs your judgment and reduces your alertness and coordination. It can also affect your vision.
• Limit how much alcohol you consume, especially if you plan to walk. Do not fool yourself about your ability to walk in traffic safely.
• Be more visible to traffic by carrying a flashlight or wearing retro-reflective clothing at night. During the day, wear bright colored clothing.
• If you know someone who has been drinking and is planning to walk, offer to call him or her a cab or escort him or her, even if it is only for a short distance.
• Even if sober, walk defensively, be vigilant. Be aware of drivers that may be under the influence and a threat to pedestrians. If you are a motorist:
• When you drive, particularly at night, watch for sudden unexpected movements by pedestrians. Scan the road widely and often, and prepare for the unexpected. Slow down!

Planning a party this holiday season takes a lot of thought, organization and effort. You owe it to yourself and guests to plan the activities responsibly.

NHTSA estimates that alcohol is involved in 39 percent of all fatal crashes. That equates to about one alcohol-related fatality every 33 minutes. 1.5 million drivers were arrested in 1997 (most current data available) for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

When planning your holiday events in which alcohol will be served, you should take some basic steps to ensure the safety of your guests. These steps will remind your friends and guests that you care about them and their safety:

• Promote the fact that you are hosting a "responsible" party. Suggest to your guests as they arrive that at least one person in the group remains sober and serves as the "designated driver".
• Inform your guests that you have non-alcoholic beverages available as an alternative to alcohol.
• Limit the access to alcohol. Don't be "heavy handed" when mixing drinks. It is responsible to water down drinks. Monitor the number of refills your guests have had.
• Close the bar at least one hour before the party ends.
• Serve food and lots of it. High-protein foods slow the body's absorption of alcohol. Avoid salty foods that encourage people to drink more.
• Focus on fun. Have games, music, entertainment or other activities to shift the party's emphasis from drinking to socializing.
• Know the signs of impairment can include lack of coordination, unusual behavior, and slurred or incoherent speech. Even those without outward signs can be impaired.
• Be prepared. Keep the phone numbers of cab companies handy. Know the "safe ride" programs in your area. Be prepared for overnight guests.

This holiday season will bring more people together than ever before. More people plan to attend parties this season than they did in the past. This is an exciting time but we need to remember that drunk driving takes lives!

A good idea when planning a party is to prepare a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Be sure to provide an assortment of non-alcoholic beer, champagne, and equally attractive mixed drinks (or "mocktails") as alternative to alcohol.

Try a few of the "mocktail" recipes listed below for your holiday function and enable guests to party responsibly and safely.

• Red Delicious Punch- Pour 2 bottles of non-alcoholic sparkling cider into a punch bowl. Mix in 1 quart of cranberry juice. Float a frozen ice ring and garnish with sprigs of mint.
• Fuzzy Navel -3/4 oz. Non-alcoholic peach schnapps and orange juice.
• Margarita-1 ½ oz. Sour mix, ½ oz. Rose's limejuice, and ½ oz. Orange juice.
• Pina Colada-1oz. Pineapple juice, 1oz. Cream of coconut, 1tsp. Orange juice, 1 tbsp. Cream, and 3-4 pineapple chunks, then blend.
• New Year's Eve Kiss- Pour 2oz. Passion fruit juice in a champagne flute. Fill with club soda.
• Faux Kir-Fill a large wine glass halfway with chilled white grape juice. Stir in 1tbsp. Grenadine syrup. Fill with cold raspberry ginger ale.
• Dress up coffee with whipped cream, cinnamon or chocolate.