With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, now is the time for drinkers to draw straws to select your designated driver, make arrangements to hire a car to transport you to and from your New Years Eve events, or plan to walk in groups to and from your party destinations.
The City of West Hollywood Public Safety Division and the West Hollywood Sheriffs Department teamed up several years ago to create the West Hollywood’s Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign, which, among other things, distributes “Don’t Drink and Drive” napkins to local bars, clubs, and restaurants to remind patrons to not mix cars and booze.
Below are excerpts from the City of West Hollywood’s Don’t Drink and Drive web page.
West Hollywood’s Don’t Drink & Drive Campaign.
Drinking and driving don’t mix. Remember, you are not the only one in danger when you decide to drink and then drive. You are sharing the road with others. Risks to you include serious injury, higher insurance rates, large legal fees, jail time, and other social and professional setbacks.
Alcohol, Parties and Driving:
- Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible
about alcoholic drinks. Respect anyone’s choice not to drink.
Never put anyone on the defense for not drinking.
Prevention:
- Don’t drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol in your system can affect your driving.
- Don’t let your friends drink and drive. Someone who gets behind the wheel after drinking is in danger of harming himself or others.
- Plan ahead. If you plan to be drinking, decide ahead of time how to get home safely and who will drive.
Attending a Party:
- Know your safe limit.
- Keep active. Don’t just sit down and drink. If you are active you tend to drink less, burn calories, and are more aware of the effects of the alcohol.
- Accept a drink, only when you want one. If that doesn’t work, “lose” your drink by setting it down somewhere.
- Don’t be fooled. A drink is a drink and all are the same to a breathalyzer.
- Skip a drink now and then. Having a water between alcoholic ones will help keep your blood alcohol content level down, keep you hydrated and lower your calorie intake.
- Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages. Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer.
- Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
- Use alcohol carefully in connection with pharmaceuticals. Ask your physician or pharmacist about any precautions.
Know the Law:
California Vehicle Code sections 23152(a) and 23152(b):
- 23152(a) It is a misdemeanor to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- 23152(b) It is a misdemeanor to drive with .08% or more of alcohol in your blood.
Please heed this good advice, and make your New Year joyous, safe, and sane.
To volunteer, contact the Public Safety Division at (323) 848-6414.
