Choose to Live a Sober Life
Do you believe that women are at-risk for alcohol's effects? Well believe it! The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that women achieve higher concentrations of alcohol in the blood and become more impaired than men after drinking equivalent amounts of alcohol. Also, alcohol use plays a huge role in many acquaintance rapes.
Are You Talking to Me?
If you do not drink heavily, you may quickly assume that this issue doesn't concern you. However, do you realize that just a small amount of alcohol may put you in the drunk-driver category? And since each person metabolizes alcohol differently, any amount of alcohol can impair judgment and affect critical driving skills, with fatal outcomes.
What Can I Do?
Although firmer laws and lower BAC limits may help reduce the number of alcohol related collisions and fatalities, the most effective prevention is in you. Restraining yourself from driving drunk could save your life as well as the lives of others who may become innocent victims. In addition to restraining yourself, lead by example and:
- Avoid consuming too much alcohol.
- Don't ride with a driver who has been drinking.
- Designate a "sober" driver.
- Don't ever let your friends drive drunk. Take their keys, have them stay the night, have them ride home with someone else, call a cab, or do whatever else is necessary - but don't let them drive!
- Protect yourself. Always use a safety seat belt, Use four-lane highways whenever possible, and try to avoid traveling after midnight (especially on Fridays and Saturdays).
- Choose vehicles with airbags.
- Drive defensively.
Remember, driving sober is the only way to truly enjoy the benefits of driving. Driving sober allows you to maintain control over your life, and brings wisdom in knowing that you are doing everything in your power to reduce the risk of injuring yourself and others. Those who injure innocent victims as a result of drinking and driving, have a lifetime to regret their irresponsible decision.
Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2005).
By Lywanda Bright.
