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12/15/2008
AAA Asks, When Will We Learn That Drinking And Driving Don't Mix?
Be a Responsible Holiday Party Host With These Tips From AAA
In 2006, 630 people in Washington died as a result of a traffic crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An astonishing 47 percent (294) of these motor vehicle crash deaths involved a driver who had been drinking alcohol. Put another way, nearly 300 Washingtonians would still be alive today if an alcohol-impaired driver hadn’t decided to get behind the wheel. AAA urges holiday party goers and planners to consider this startling statistic when planning holiday festivities this season.
Party Goers:
Party guests have options other than getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol:
- Choose a designated driver before leaving for the party.
- Call a taxi cab, town car or limo.
- Ride public transportation.
- Make arrangements for a friend or family member to pick you up after the party.
- Plan on spending the night at the party location.
- Get a hotel room within walking distance of the party.
Party Planners:
If you choose to serve alcohol at your holiday party, be a responsible host:
- Encourage carpooling with a designated driver.
- Give a gift to designated drivers.
- Know who is drinking and whether or not they have a safe ride home.
- Collect keys as people arrive at your party and only relinquish keys to sober drivers.
- Put away the alcohol when it gets late and serve coffee early in the evening.
- Slow down the drinking rate of guests with party games.
- Offer sleeping accommodations to those who are not safe to drive or call them a cab.
- Serve protein-rich and starchy foods to help retard alcohol absorption, such as: (Recipes available at AAA.com or by clicking here)
- Mexican Layer Dip
- Spicy Cocktail Wieners
- Marinated Oriental Beef Kabobs
- Sour Cream Cucumbers
- Provide designated drivers fun non-alcoholic drinks, such as: (These and many more non-alcohol recipes are available at AAA.com or by clicking here)
- Winter Wassail
- Black Cherry Champagne
- Orange Blossom
- Café Mocha Ice
- Tropical Fruit Fizz
AAA Washington has been serving members and the traveling public since 1904. The organization provides a variety of exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts, maps and personalized trip planning, to its 980,000 members. In addition, its full-service travel and insurance agencies provide products and services for members and the public. Additional information is available through the company’s 26 offices in Washington and northern Idaho, at www.AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Contact AAA
Jennifer Cook (425) 646-2055
Dave Overstreet (425) 467-7740
Cassie Devaney (509) 358-6950
