MEDICAL SURFARI: HOLIDAY TRAVEL FOR WISE MEN (AND WOMEN)

The holiday season is packed full of parties and celebrations, and many times that includes alcoholic beverages. Statistically, this is one of the deadliest times of the year on our nation's highways. Impaired, aggressive driving is a big part of this problem.

Each year nearly a half a million people sustain permanent brain and spinal cord injuries in the U.S., many involve young to middle age people. These are alcohol related driving incidents, not accidents. There is nothing accidental about driving while drunk or drugged!

Knowing the truth about alcohol may also make a difference this season. Don t fall victim to some of the pervasive myths about alcohol and driving:

Myth: "Alcohol is a stimulant".

Fact: Alcohol is a depressant. It lowers or depresses the activity of your brain.

Myth: "Drinking coffee sobers me up." Fact: Coffee cannot rid your system of alcohol. Only time and metabolism reverses impairment.

Myth: "I always stay away from the hard stuff, so I'll be okay."

Fact: Alcohol is alcohol. Beer has the same effect as straight scotch.

One 12-ounce beer has just as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey or a 5-ounce glass of wine.

Myth: "I'm bigger so I can handle my liquor better."

Fact: Size is only one factor in how much you can drink. Metabolism, amount of rest and food intake all play a role.

Impairment in motor reflexes and judgment can begin after the first drink.

Rolling down the car windows, driving slow or splashing cold water on your face are ineffective solutions to intoxication. The bottom line is that there is no home remedy to counteract or reverse the effects of alcohol or drugs. Metabolism of the intoxicant gradually clears the effects. And, the amount of time varies for each individual depending upon age, size, metabolism, rest, food intake and the amount and rate of alcohol consumption.

Never serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under age. If you drink, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver. Report impaired drivers. Be a responsible party host and:

• Serve alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
• Serving high-protein food.
• Control the amount of alcoholic beverages served, no open bars.
• Ask alcohol-impaired guests to stay overnight, or call a cab to assure them a safe ride home. Take the keys away from an impaired guest.

Remember, wise men (and women) travel unimpaired!

World Wide Web Resources

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ This site provides good information on vehicles and equipment with searchable databases on vehicle recalls, defect investigations and consumer complaints as well as tips on traffic safety.

National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month Coalition www.3dmonth.org This home page contains information on the Coalition and its members and planned events. There is general information on the impaired driving problem, suggestions for what individuals and organizations can do and even non-alcoholic drink recipes.

THINK FIRST Foundation www.thinkfirst.org/home.htm This foundation's mission is to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries through education THINK FIRST and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have common interests and work together in preventing injury from impaired driving.