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Drunk And Drugged Driving Prevention Month

BINGHAMTON, NY - Drunk or drugged drivers can affect many people. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, three in ten people will become involved in an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash at some time in their lives.

"If you are not directly involved in a motor vehicle crash caused by an impaired driver, the chances are that you will have a friend or family member who is affected. In 2001, nearly 16,000 Americans died in motor vehicle crashes caused by impaired driving," said Joe Nirchi, Chairman of the Broome County Traffic Safety Board.

December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a time when drivers are urged to take extra precautions to avoid unnecessary tragedy during the holiday season.

A common misconception is that beer is less dangerous than liquor or wine. A driver's judgement and reaction time becomes impaired with only one alcoholic drink, whether it is liquor, wine or beer.

"Only the passage of time metabolizes alcohol in the body and sobers a person. Coffee, a cold shower, fresh air or physical activity have no effect on how fast alcohol is metabolized," said Gordon Sullivan, Traffic Safety Coordinator for the Broome County Health Department.

Mr. Sullivan says you can help your guests get home safely by:

  • Offering non-alcoholic beverages, such as fruit juices or soft drinks.
  • Always serving food with alcohol. High protein and carbohydrate foods, such as cheese and meats, are especially good, because they slow the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.
  • Stop serving alcohol about two hours before the party is over. Your guests will then have time for their bodies to absorb any alcohol they've consumed. Serve coffee or other non-alcoholic beverages, as well as food.

If you observe that one of your guests is impaired, don't hesitate to intervene. The Broome County Health Department suggests that you:

  • Drive your friend home or ask another sober person to provide a ride.
  • Suggest that your impaired friend stay overnight in your home.
  • Pay for a taxi ride home for your friend.
  • Don't give in. Friends don't let friends drink and then drive.
"New York State recognizes that drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs are a danger to themselves and others. The penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) are severe so as to deter dangerous drivers and reduce the tragic toll of injuries and death," said Jim May, Coordinator Broome County Stop DWI, said.

Binghamton Area Impaired Driving Statistics

The penalty for a first-time DWI conviction is revocation of your driver's license for at least six months. To obtain a new driver's license, you must re-apply to the State Department of Motor Vehicles following the period of revocation. It is estimated that attorney fees, fines, auto insurance surcharges and other expenses resulting from a DWI conviction can amount to $8,000 or more.

The New York State Zero Tolerance Law makes it illegal for a person under 21 to operate a vehicle after consuming any alcohol. The penalties for a first-time violation include a six-month license suspension and a fine and fee totaling $225.

For more information on preventing drunk and drugged driving, call the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2807, or the Broome County Stop DWI program at 607.778.2056.

CONTACT:
Gordon Sullivan, Broome County Traffic Safety Coordinator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.2807
email:

Robert Denz, Director, Environmental Health Services,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.2887
email:

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