Like most people this time of the year, you are likely caught up in the holiday rush of shopping and parties. The rush of getting from one place to another can mean that drivers are more careless behind the wheel. The office parties can also mean that there are more impaired drivers on the road this time of year as well.
The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that 40 percent of traffic-related deaths during Christmas and New Year involve drunk drivers. That represents a 12 percent increase over the rest of December. The NIAA issued some tips to remind drivers about drinking during the holidays.
Despite what you might think, coffee does not sober you up, according to the NIAAA. The only thing that allows the body to break down the effects of alcohol is time. Next, alcohol continues to enter the bloodstream long after you ingest it. Driving at night only makes it worse because it combines with the natural fatigue one feels in the evening.
Lastly, alcohol takes effect fast. It affects your coordination, driving skills, and judgment. While you might feel more alert after that first drink, over time it will decrease your reaction time and make you more aggressive.
Colson Hicks Eidson – Florida attorneys