12.27.05

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

Each year, about than 2 hundred 50 thousand people are injured 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: "For women it may only take 2 or 3 to 4 drinks to reach that blood alcohol level. For men, probably 4, 5 or 6 drinks to reach that blood alcohol level. There are a variety of calculators available for people if they wanted to get on the Internet, they could search out blood alcohol calculators and determine for themselves based on their body weight and their gender about how many drinks it’s going to take."

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: ". . . the other thing that people can do, that sometimes we forget about. If you’re going to drink, eat. A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol and the alcohol raises to the brain much slower. Eat cheeses and milk products that slow the absorption of alcohol to a degree. If you’re going to host a party, you have plenty of food there. Have plenty of alternative drinks."

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.