12.27.04

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. Ronald Kanwischer, substance abuse counselor at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says in Illinois, a driver with a blood alcohol level of .08 is considered to be intoxicated.

SOUND BITE: "It takes for the average man, who weighs about 180 pounds, five drinks or so over several hours of time to reach this blood alcohol level. For women, interestingly enough, it takes a little bit less. Women process alcohol differently than we men do. And so they drink less but reach the same blood alcohol level."

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 or community service. A person could possibly lose their license. He explains some ways to lessen the effects of alcohol.

SOUND BITE: " . . . when you throw a party for instance at your house, have plenty of food around. Food helps absorb some of the alcohol – slows its entry into the body and people will tend to get less drunk. You can have things that are milk byproducts – cheeses and proteins – those will slow down absorption of alcohol. So keep plenty of cheese and crackers around. And if you are going to have a full meal, that might even be better."

Kanwischer 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.