New Year’s Eve - Commentary Published Dec. 20, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey K. Marks 99th Air Base Wing Safety NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- As 2011 comes to a close, most everyone is looking to see it off with a bang. That usually means people will attend a big party with lots of friends, family and, quite often, alcohol. Though I am not here to tell you not to have some fun, I do want to give you some facts and a friendly reminder before you really let loose. First off, here are some national statistics: - Accidents related to drunk driving take place every 45 minutes.1 - This year, 10,839 people will die in drunk-driving crashes... that number equates to one every 50 minutes.2 - One in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.3 - Beer is the drink of choice in most cases of heavy drinking, binge drinking, drunk driving, and underage drinking.3 - In 2004, 30 percent of all fatal crashes during the week were alcohol-related, compared to 51 percent on weekends. For all crashes, the alcohol-involvement rate was five percent during the week and 12 percent during the weekend.3 Although we know the dangers of drinking and driving, there are many who do not fully appreciate these statistics. - The number of people who continue driving even after their license is suspended ranges between 50 and 75 percent.1 - On average, the blood alcohol content in drunk drivers is found to be 0.15.1 - Around three percent of those involved in fatal accidents in 2008 were convicted for 'driving while intoxicated' within the previous three years.1 - An average drunk driver has driven drunk 87 times before first arrest.2 So there are two things to consider here. First, it is a dangerous world out there. You may be doing everything right, but there are many who are not, so be on the lookout. If you see a driver who you suspect is drunk, stay out of the way, pull over and call 9-1-1. Second, be responsible. Look out for yourself and your friends. If you are going to do some drinking, plan on how you are going to get home before you have that first drink. If you see a friend who has been drinking and is getting ready to leave, ensure that person is not driving. Remember, there are many reliable, and cheap, methods to get home safely after a night of fun and drinking. For example, you could stay the night at the same location; take a cab; call a friend, family member, coworker or supervisor; or call Airmen Against Drunk Driving at 702-652-2233. All of these methods are a far better choice to drinking and driving. Bibliography 1. "MADD -Statistics." MADD -Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Accessed December 20, 2011. http://www.madd.org/statistics/. 2. Nakate, Shashank. "Drunk Driving Statistics." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. Accessed December 20, 2011. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/drunk-driving-statistics.html. 3. "Treatment Solutions Network Drug Treatment and Recovery Articles » Drunk Driving Statistics." Alcohol - Drug Rehab Clinics - Addiction Treatment Centers - Treatment Solutions Network. Accessed December 20, 2011. http://www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork.com/blog/index.php/2010/12/29/drunk-driving-statistics/.
