By David Simmons, CSPD Public Information Officer
Each year, fatal road accidents peak between midnight and 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day, bringing in the new year in a horrific way. But we can avoid many of these accidents if motorists – and those around them – recognize the red flags and take preventive action.
If you intend to consume alcohol, make plans for a ride home or secure an Uber, Lyft, or designated driver.
Be a Responsible Host
If you host a New Year’s Eve party, common-sense steps can curb excessive drinking and help your designated drivers stay sober.
First, drinking isn’t mandatory for having a good time, so don’t force alcohol on your guests. Instead, offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and others who prefer not to consume alcohol. In addition, since carbonation encourages the bloodstream to absorb alcohol faster, use non-carbonated bases such as fruit juice for alcohol-laced punches.
It’s also a good idea to avoid serving too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and want to drink more.
Before the party begins, ask your guests to appoint one or more designated drivers who agree to drink only non-alcoholic beverages. If certain guests are known to drink excessively, let them know drinking and driving at your party are unacceptable.
Don’t let guests mix their drinks. A reliable bartender can help you keep track of the size and number of drinks your guests consume. Don’t allow anyone under the legal drinking age to consume or serve alcohol.
Close the bar and serve dessert about 90 minutes before your party ends. Time alone sobers up those who have been drinking.
Drunk Driver Warning Signs
If you’re out driving and witness any of these driver behaviors, note the license plate number and vehicle description and call 911. Don’t try to stop the driver on your own.
- Wide turns.
- Straddling lanes or driving on the centerline.
- Drifting or moving in a straight line at a slight angle to the roadway.
- Driving with the headlights off at night.
- Eye fixation or a face close to the windshield.
- You see a driver drinking.
- Driving below the speed limit, erratic braking, or stopping without cause.
- A slow response to traffic signals, including sudden stops or delayed starts.
- Nearly striking objects or curbs.
- Weaving or zigzagging across the road.
- Driving on the wrong side of the road or entirely off the roadway.
- Rapid acceleration or deceleration.
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT ALCOHOL
MYTH: If you’ve had too much to drink, coffee sobers you up.
FACT: Only time can make you sober again. It takes about two hours for your body to break down the alcohol after one pint of beer. Likewise, it takes about one hour to break down a five-ounce glass of wine.
MYTH: Hard liquor is more intoxicating than beer or wine.
FACT: A 12-ounce can of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, and a 12-ounce wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol as 1½ ounces of hard liquor.
MYTH: Drunk people look intoxicated.
FACT: Physical appearance can be misleading. A single drink can impair anyone’s ability to drive. When someone drinks, their judgment is the first thing affected. Vital motor skills are next.
The College Station Police Department actively enforces alcohol-related offenses, especially on New Year’s Eve, so everyone makes it home safely.
The CSPD wishes you and your family a safe and happy new year!
About the Blogger
CSPD Public Information Officer David Simmons is in his seventh year with the department.
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