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How to be a responsible host:
-Always serve plenty of food. It slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.
-If you plan on serving alcoholic beverages, make sure that you have non-alcoholic beverages as well. You can create a festive non-alcoholic punch for those guests who choose not to drink alcohol.
-Designate a “bartender” who can make sure that drinks are mixed in sensible portions and keep an eye on how much everyone is drinking. Remember, alcohol is alcohol. A standard serving of beer (12 ounces), distilled spirits (1.5 ounces) and wine (5 ounces) each have the same amount of alcohol!
- Close your “bar” early to allow your guests time before they have to drive home. Serve food, coffee or non-alcoholic beverages during this time. Keep your guests entertained, and if they have been drinking, make sure they're good to drive.
-It should go without saying, but do NOT serve alcohol to anyone who is under 21.
(Source: The Century Council)
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Along with all the happiness and good cheer, the holidays bring a serious danger - increased drinking and driving. Data shows that the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day includes some of the most dangerous days for drunk driving deaths.
In 2010, 31 percent of highway fatalities were caused by drunk driving, and that number spikes dramatically during the holidays.
"This is one of the most risky times of year to be on the road when you take into account that people have this time, four day weekends, Christmas celebrations, New Year's celebrations, which typically have as part of the tradition consuming alcohol and when you have people traveling more miles," said Teresa Belew, the section chief of violence and injury prevention for The Arkansas Department of Health.
"Don't let Christmas morning become a Christmas of mourning because you have not made wise choices when it comes to traffic safety, consuming alcohol if you get behind the wheel, and how you host your holiday parties," she said.
While drinking and driving can cost lives, it can also be a hit to your wallet. In Pulaski County and around the state, law enforcement officers warn that they'll be out in full force.
"We'll increase our patrols and be looking for intoxicated drivers. There will be officers working overtime."
Lieutenant Cody Burk said. "First thing is you'll go to jail, then you'll have to bond out on DWI charges, there's fees involved in that."
A first offense DWI can cost you around $10,000 in fines, legal fees and increased insurance rates.
Those are some sobering statistics that may make you think twice before getting behind the wheel this holiday season.
If you plan to drink, plan not to drive. That's really the safest and most important thing you can do.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving said that that one in three families will
TIP: If you can't find a designated driver, you can always program the number of a cab service into your cell phone.