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Resources and Reasons NOT to Drink and Drive

by Ron Sombilon Gallery

NEVER drive intoxicated.

This tip is yet another of those obvious ones.  But people still do it ALL the time.

To be honest, there really is no excuse for drinking and driving.  Besides simply being responsible and having a designated driver on nights out, there are so many additional services for all different occasions.

If you’re not sure of your blood alcohol level:

Buy a breathalyzer by searching “breathalyzer” in the Google Product Search.  Prices range from as low as to 0.  Most breathalyzers go for approximately . Calculate your blood alcohol level using applications for your smart phone “R-U-Buzzed?” IPhone application by the Colorado Department of Transportation (Free on ITunes).
Do it the old way. Use a trusty chart.  I recommend you print a copy and have it in your car at all times.

If you went alone or everyone in your party is intoxicated:

Take public transportation Take a taxi.  If you went to a restaurant or bar, they should be able to recommend a few different taxi services. You can also call 1-800-GOOG-411 for no cost and ask for a taxi service in your area. There are also several IPhone applications that connect you to a taxi in your area, using GPS functionality.  Try “Rocket Taxi,” “Call A Taxi,” “Cab 4 Me,” and many more! Carpool.  Only one sober driver?  Pitch in for gas and ask for a ride.  However, if you suspect at all that that person has been drinking, be safe and don’t take the risk. Hire a designated driver.  Search for a service in your area and save their phone number in your phone.  Often times they will let you rent drivers by the hour.  Besides having a sober and insured driver behind the wheel, you have the added comfort of being able to take your car home that night.

Now, some of these services may cost more than you want to on your one night out.  However, compared to the cost of a DUI, these prices are dirt cheap.  Here are the costs associated with a DUI (not including personal injuries, medical costs, lost pay, or vehicle damages):

Minimum fine: $ 390 Penalty Assessment: $ 666 State Restitution Fund: $ 100 Alcohol-Abuse Education Fund: $ 50 Blood or Breath-Testing Fee: $ 37 Jail Cite-and-Release Fee: $ 10 Driving/Alcohol-Awareness School: $ 375 (16 weeks minimum) License Reissue Fee: $ 100 Attorney Fees (average): $ 2,500 Auto Insurance Increase: $ 3,600 – ,600
(The Auto Club estimates ,200 a year for 3 years)

Total ,828 – ,828

(Credits to FriendsDriveSober.org and Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

To learn more about the dangers of drinking and driving, visit the following organizations:

Alcohol Alert Center for Disease Control Mothers Against Drunk Driving

And remember, if you or a loved one is hit and consequentially hurt by a drunk driver, consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.  Some consolidated sources to find a personal injury lawyer include:

Car Accident Injury Helpline: http://www.caraccidentinjuryhelpline.com/

Personal Injury Helpline: http:// www.injuryhelplinelawyer.com/

For more tips, please go to my blog at: http://helpcaraccident.wordpress.com/

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Just Why is UK Aqua Ltd Encouraging You to Drink More Over the Festive Season?


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Just Why is UK Aqua Ltd Encouraging You to Drink More Over the Festive Season?

Drink More – Feel Better

(PRWEB) December 25, 2009

Drinking excess alcohol in this festive season is common place as confirmed by the website of Drink Aware whom are running a survey asking visitors for the number of units consumed in the last 24 hours. This website is aimed at educating the UK public in and around alcohol consumption.

At the time of writing 17:11pm 23 December 2009 the survey reveals that the average responding UK man had consumed 7.2 units in the last 24 hours with women consuming 4.2. These figures are clearly well in over the national guidelines of 3-4 units per day for men and 2-3 units per day for women. The website also states “Experts estimate alcohol is responsible for at least 33,000 deaths in the UK each year. While rates of liver disease are falling in the rest of Europe, they are rising in the UK”

So whilst it is the season to be jolly Gareth Prandle General Manager of UK Aqua believes “To experience a truly enjoyable Christmas and New Year we should all drink a lot more!” . Clearly this somewhat controversial statement becomes clear only when Gareth goes on to clarify his statement. “Since drinking and eating to excess are almost a national tradition at this time of year, we should help the body by drinking more water!”

Water when consumed in sensible quantities, not only helps keep the body more hydrated, one of key the side effects of alcohol causing hangovers but it also aids digestion, thus removing excess alcohol and solids from the system . There are many resources stating the importance of good hydration including

The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) , resource site Water Cooler.org and t he BBC Healthy living. Gareth adds “ most people know the effects of even a small amount of alcohol but not many people at all know the negative effects of just a small lack of water” .

UK Aqua are not proposing an alcohol free Christmas but do propose the following guidelines to drinking more over Christmas

If you are going to have a drink, consume alcohol in moderation
Intersperse your wine, beer or drink of choice with a glass of water, not only will this slow your alcohol consumption but the added fluid will well help your combat the dehydration alcoholic drinks can cause
Make drinking water more easily available during meal time and generally by getting a home water cooler or placing a jug of water on the table with glasses in addition to the wine.

So in short the festive season can still be a good one if we remember to drink alcohol in moderation and keep hydrated by drinking more non alcoholic drinks including water.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

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Drinking And Driving Consequences – What Every Person Needs To Understand About The Legal Ramifications Of Drunk Driving

by heraldpost

Most people understand that drinking and driving is a dangerous combination. Not just for the driver who has been drinking but his passengers and all those who share the road with him. Pedestrians are included in this factor. In the United States, four out of 10 fatal accidents are attributed to alcohol. Approximately 25,000 people die and another 708,000 are injured in collisions where alcohol was a contributing factor; this averages to be about 500 people every week, 70 people a day. When looking at the statistics, half of every American will be in some kind of accident involving alcohol at some point in their life. Even with these statistics, this happens every day around us. It’s those people who have been drinking that fail to remember the probable consequences and decide to drive anyway.

On top of people losing their lives and/or the injuries that are sustained in a car accident, there are other extensive consequences drunk drivers can cause. Some consequences are financial along with physical. For instance, based on a recent study, American taxpayers typically pay to billion every year for drunk driving. According to the National Geographic magazine, alcohol abuse in the United States cost 6 million every year.

If you’ve been involved in a automobile accident where the other driver was drunk, you could be entitled to receive compensation. Any settlements that come from this kind of accident will cover for medical treatments, lost employment wages and emotional suffering. If your case heads to court, you could also get punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the offender and discourage them to repeat their behavior. If you’re in a vehicle accident where alcohol is involved with the other driver, you need to speak with a car accident attorney. Your attorney will be able to hold the drunk driver accountable for all damages and injuries sustained in the accident. However, if a drunk driver killed someone you loved, you will need a wrongful death lawyer. The money you are compensated won’t bring them back but it could keep the person from drinking and driving ever again. You don’t want to let a drunk driver go because they’ll only endanger the lives of other people. Make sure to hold them accountable for their actions.

Drunk driving can have very real deep effects for the people who are injured but also the survivors of those who are killed. However, it can also have a deep effect on the drunk driver. When a driver who has been drinking causes an accident, it can have serious, long-term legal consequences. On top of settling claims for the injured parties, they may face a number of judiciary charges. First, there’s the DUI arrest they must deal with including the license suspension and fines. Then other charges may include: wrongful death, fleeing, reckless driving, resisting arrest, etc. All of these charges will need the assistance of an experienced DUI attorney. Along with all the legal ramifications they must deal with, the driver will handle the guilt they feel for destroying other people’s lives. The best way to protect yourself and other people from drunk drivers is to never drink and drive.

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Safe Driving–Destiny Calling–Dont Drink or Text and Drive.mpg

PLEASE VIEW AND VOTE (once per day until 1 May 2011) PLEASE VISIT AND VOTE FOR MY FILM ON: www.mikeschaferlaw.com VIEW: “Finalist # 4 Safe Driving–Destiny Calling–Dont Drink or Text and Drive” This film is on the bottom of the page. This short film discourages drinking and driving or texting while driving. Written by Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe. Produced by Honorable Brennan James Callan, Col. This film was shot in New Albany, Indiana and edited in Louisville, Kentucky. Dedicated to Ryan Mouritsen LINKS: Hon. Brennan James Callan, Col. (Cinematographer / Aerial Videographer) brennancallan.nowcasting.com Kentuckiana Cinematography Club (KCC) www.brennancallan.com Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe www.lionel-fanthorpe.com The music composer for the film was Duncan Kirk Bohannon: www.duncankirkbohannon.com www.imdb.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

don’t drink and drive

Promises Urges Parents to Watch for Binge-Drinking Issues as Students Start College This Fall


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Promises Urges Parents to Watch for Binge-Drinking Issues as Students Start College This Fall

Los Angeles, CA (Vocus) August 27, 2009

Binge drinking on college campuses in the United States is on the rise, as are its consequences, such as drunk driving and alcohol-related deaths and injuries. With the new school year just around the corner, Promises Treatment Centers urges parents to talk to their children about the dangers of binge drinking, as well as be on the lookout for drinking-related issues after students head to college this fall.

According to a report from the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), drinking-related deaths among students aged 18 to 24 have increased steadily from 1,440 a year in 1998 to 1,825 in 2005. Forty-five percent of college students admitted to binge drinking in the past month, and 29 percent of students admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol.

In addition, recent studies are showing an alarming trend of women being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Nationwide, 126,000 women were arrested for DUI in 1998—a number that climbed to 162,000 in 2007. This could be due to a societal change, with women being more likely to take risks and engage in binge drinking, especially in college.

Although an increasing amount of colleges are teaming up with local police and community members to curb college drinking, more needs to be done at home to educate young people on the devastating effects of binge drinking.

Dr. David Sack, CEO of Promises Treatment Centers, addiction treatment programs in Malibu and West Los Angeles, says that parents can help prevent their children from binge drinking in college by staying involved in their children’s lives and by talking to them about the consequences of drinking heavily.

“With less parental monitoring and greater peer influence in college, the recipe could be disastrous for at-risk children,” Dr. Sack said. “Despite the immediate dangers of binge drinking, such as injury, drunk driving, fatalities, and risky behaviors that can lead to STDs and unwanted pregnancy, binge drinking at younger ages can lead to alcoholism later in life.”

“The younger people are when they start drinking heavily, the greater the chance that they will exhibit alcohol-dependent behavior in college, such as driving under the influence, being injured while intoxicated, or having unprotected sex after drinking. And those behaviors, if left untreated, will continue into adulthood,” he explained.

Parents can also set up a foundation for healthy behavior at home. “By encouraging your child to be challenged academically during high school, as well as to participate in sports or extracurricular activities that are supervised by adults, you are setting up a strong foundation for your child’s success later in life, as well as markers that will help gauge substance abuse,” he said.

“For example, if your son’s grades plummet once he enters college and he loses interest in the activities he used to excel at in high school, you should be on the lookout for problem drinking.” Dr. Sack urges parents to take a proactive role during this time. “Chances are, if you suspect an issue, it is usually much worse,” he said.

Another important aspect of preventing college binge drinking is developing a strong, trusting relationship with your children. A Swiss study found that out of 364 teenagers, only those who reported a later drinking age and a strong relationship with their parents had the lowest risk of developing drinking problems.

“Research has shown that teens who have a strong relationship with their parents are less likely to develop problems with alcohol,” said Dr. Sack.

If you suspect your child is abusing alcohol regularly, consider getting him or her into counseling or treatment. Promises can also help concerned parents find an appropriate referral in their area.

Promises Treatment Centers has addiction treatment programs in West Los Angeles and Malibu, California. Promises is part of Elements Behavioral Health, which aims to fill the gaps in mental health treatment between inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services; in co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders; and between traditional and alternative settings to help clients that are underweight or overweight due to eating related and other issues. The goal is for full recovery and well being with permanent life change and life style improvement and not just symptom reduction. Our focus is not only on the patient, but on the health and support of the family system. For more information about Promises Treatment Centers visit http://www.promises.com or call 866-466-1276.

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Why It Is Such A Mistake To Drink And Drive

by BostonTx

Drinking and driving is a serious offense that can have deadly consequences.  In recent years the problem of drunk driving has gained nation-wide attention and caused stricter enforcement of existing laws, along with the inception of new laws and penalties for this dangerous crime. When you read Alcoholism Articles it can motivate a change.

In the US each year, about forty percent of traffic fatalities are the result of drunk driving.  Estimates from 2003 run as high as 17,013 deaths and 500,000 injuries in alcohol-related automobile crashes.

The past twenty years has seen increases in the severity of penalties even for first-time offenders.  Penalties vary by State but include license suspension, fines from 0 to 00, up to six months in jail, probation for six months and two weeks of community service.  If death, injury or property damage occur, penalties increase dramatically.

There are simple ways to avoid drunk driving charges for yourself.  The most obvious is to not drive if you have been drinking.

If you are going to go out drinking, take steps to ensure a safe return home.  The best method is to have a designated driver pick you up and take you home at the end of the night.  If your driver ends up drinking, do not get back into their car and do what you can to keep them from driving.  Take the keys and give them to the bartender, he or she will know what to do.

Use your cell phone to call for a ride, either from a friend or family member, or, if necessary, a taxi.  Keep some extra cash ready in case you do need to call a cab for a ride home.Anything that you can do to avoid drinking and driving will ensure that a good night’s party doesn’t end up a horrible tragedy you wish you could forget.

Variants and trivia There is another drink that can be prepared with specially cut dry leaves, very cold water and, optionally, lemon or another fruit juice, called tereré. It is very common in Paraguay, northeastern Argentina and in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. After pouring the water, it is considered proper to “wait while the saint has a sip” before the first person takes a drink. In Uruguay and Brazil the traditional mate or cuia is usually big with a corresponding large hole. In Argentina (especially in the capital, Buenos Aires) the mate is small and has a small hole, and people sometimes add sugar for flavor. In Bolivia and Peru, mate de coca is often sipped instead of ordinary mate. In Uruguay there is a national law that prohibits drinking mate while driving, because it caused many accidents of people getting scalded with hot water while driving. For the same reason, there is also a “forbidden to drink mate” sign in all public transportation buses. In Uruguay it is common to see people walking around the streets toting a mate and a thermos with hot water. In some parts of Argentina, gas stations sponsored by yerba mate producers provide free hot water to travellers, specifically for the purpose of drinking during the journey. There are disposable mate sets with a plastic mate and bombilla, and sets with a thermos flask and stacking containers for the yerba and sugar inside a fitted case. In Brazil, traditionally prepared mate is known as chimarrão …
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Nice Drink While Driving photos

Some cool drink while driving images:

Image by PDQuesnell
We don’t drink while driving.

Picture of the Day #13 – Jan 13


Image by Jamie Anderson
No drinking while driving the airport golf carts

See where this picture was taken. [?]

Nice Drink While Driving photos

Check out these drink while driving images:

Anti-Cell Phone Bumper Sticker Idea


Image by p.Gordon
Another bumper sticker idea. My phone icon doesn’t look like a cell phone, but it’s the best I could find in my custom shapes library, but anyway you get the point. Using a cell phone while driving is very bad for you and everyone else on the road. Talking on the phone while driving makes you 4 times more likely to crash, equivilent to driving with a blood alcohol level at the legal limit (0.08). Texting while driving makes you 8 times more likely to crash, worse than driving drunk. Don’t talk on the phone while driving and dont text while driving!

“Ok mate, if you pull hard and quick, that phone will come out of your ear, then we can concentrate on the flask …”


Image by Romeo66
P.s. This title is just for comedy value and by no means do I mean to infer that the driver of this vehicle was actually using his mobile phone or pouring a drink while driving and not paying due care and attention to the road ahead.

SMS while Driving Shocking Accident Video

This video should warn all driving beginners NOT to drink, write SMS or talking to telephone WHILE driving.

See what can happen drinking and driving…

Educating Teenagers About Drinking and Driving

by Ron Sombilon Gallery

The number one cause of death amongst youngster between the ages of 15 and 24 is drunk driving and so educating your teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving is particularly important, not only for their own protection but for the protection of other road users and pedestrians.

The first mistake which many parents make in this area is to assume that they do not need to raise the subject until their own teenagers learn to drive. You do not need to be behind the wheel of a car to understanding the dangers of drunk driving and, like everything else you teach your children, the earlier they learn the more likely the lessons are to stick.

When it comes to the consequences of drunk driving teenagers need to fully understand just what it means to kill another person on the road and the devastating impact which this can have on their family and friends. But they also need to realize that many people are also injured as a result of drunk driving and they and their families may have to live with the consequences of severe injury for the rest of their lives. This is not always easy for a teenager to understand but it is a lesson which they need to learn.

It is also important for teenagers to fully understand the consequences of being caught behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. So, find out about the drink driving laws in your state and clearly spell out the consequences of a drink driving conviction. Explain to them that a drink driving conviction can not only land them in jail, but can also ruin their career prospects and prevent them from getting a good job.

Now, despite your best efforts, it is still quite possible that your teenager is going to find himself in the position of having had too much to drink when he is out with the car and being caught between driving the car home when he knows he is not fit to do so, or calling you and getting yelled at for being so irresponsible. So, this too is something which you need to discuss with him before it happens.

Remember that we all do silly things when we are young and the most important thing is to stay safe, learn our lesson and live to try again to get it right next time. So, if your child is in this position he must know that he can call you no matter what condition he is in or what time of the day or night it is to come and pick him up.

This is not to say that you are condoning his actions in getting drunk or that he should not be punished for his irresponsibility. But your first job is to keep him safe and make him realize that he made the right, sensible and mature decision by calling you for help.

Finally remember that there is no better way to teach your children anything than through your own example and that means making sure that you never drink and drive yourself. If your children see you leaving your car keys at home and taking a taxi to go out to a party then they will follow suit.