Put the Keys Away

December 20, 2024 in El Mirage Emergency Room, Health Tips

Put the Keys Away

It’s almost New Year’s Eve, which means festivities of all kinds will soon be in full swing. And while celebrating the arrival of 2025 can include a joyous time of celebration with loved ones, it’s important to celebrate with moderation and safety in mind. For the El Mirage community, our team wants to take this opportunity to provide a reminder about the dangers and risks of driving while intoxicated.

The month of December marks National Impaired Driving Awareness Month. This is for good reason, as driving under the influence (DUI) infractions are at their highest during the holiday season. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in particular result in the most DUIs out of any other holiday.

In an effort to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the El Mirage community, we want to offer a few tips to keep in mind as you plan your New Year’s Eve events.

  1. Have a plan, even before you arrive

    How much do you intend to drink? How will you get home? Can you stay overnight at a friend’s home if needed? These details will likely seem less crucial once you start drinking, so having a plan in place from the beginning can help you adhere to smart decisions.

  2. Don’t chance it

    The “I think I’m okay to drive” mindset could have serious, or fatal, consequences. Alcohol is the drug that kills or injures the most Americans compared to other substances. In fact, drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of only 0.02 to 0.05% are 7 times more likely to die in a crash than sober drivers.

    On average, one standard drink will raise BAC by a range of 0.02 to 0.04.

  3. Be aware of other factors that can impair driving

    Medications, marijuana, fatigue, or stress can all affect someone’s ability to safely drive, especially when combined with alcohol. Blood alcohol content alone isn’t always the most reliable gauge of whether someone can safely operate a vehicle.

  4. Consider alcohol-free celebrations

    Sober events are becoming more popular, especially among young adults. Waking up the next day hangover-free, avoiding the calorie intake that comes with drinking, and avoiding the cost of alcohol can all be very attractive reasons to party without drinking. As a bonus, if you have kids around you, you’ll be modeling for them a safe alternative to drinking at celebrations

  5. Utilize ride share programs

    With the prevalence of ride share programs, there is rarely a need to attempt to drive while intoxicated. Wary about spending the money on a ride home? No problem – there are a few free ride offers throughout the Valley for New Year’s Eve. See more information here: FREE rides around the Valley on New Year’s Eve

It is our hope for the New Year holiday that the El Mirage community stays happy, healthy, and safe. By being mindful of safe drinking practices and being aware of resources available, the start to your 2025 can be filled with fun and joy, from beginning to end.

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