Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs kills 17,000 people in the United States each year.

Each year, more than 2 hundred 50 thousand people are hurt in alcohol related accidents. One in three Americans will be affected by this crime, which often has fatal results. Ronald Kanwischer, substance abuse counselor at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says even small amounts of alcohol can have a major impact on a person's ability to drive an automobile.

SOUND BITE: "It is really an amazingly complex task to operate that kind of machinery and even impairment from alcohol -- even over the counter medications that cause drowsiness can significantly reduce your ability to get yourself out of a tight spot."

Kanwischer says there are serious legal consequences for driving under the influence. The most serious charges can carry a fine, which can be very expensive. If the driver hurts another person, they can be sentenced to jail. He explains how much alcohol it takes to reach the legal limit.

SOUND BITE: " . . . for an average male, who weighs, lets say approximately 170 pounds, it will take between 4 or 5 drinks for you to reach a blood alcohol level of .0 or .08 if you were drinking those within one hour, which would make you legally intoxicated here in Illinois. Now for a woman, it would take less, it would take between 3 and 4 drinks for her to reach a blood alcohol level."

Kanwishcer urges people to celebrate responsibly. If you drink, don't drive. Designate a sober driver, take a taxicab or mass transit or plan to spend the night at your celebration site.