Tips for Safer Holiday Parties
The holiday season is a time for parties. Keep the happy in the holidays by celebrating responsibly. If you are going out to a restaurant, bar or party, go in a group and designate a sober driver to drive everyone home; take a cab, limousine or bus or drink non-alcoholic beverages if you will be driving.
If you are giving a party where alcoholic beverages will be served:
- Collect the car keys from each arriving driver and return them only if they are judged sober (a common practice in Europe).
- Always serve food with alcohol, especially protein foods such as cheese and meat.
- Control the flow of alcohol--it’s your home, you set the limit.
- Have lots of non-alcoholic beverages available and push snacks, not drinks.
- Close the bar at least an hour before the end of the party, provide alternative means of transportation home for your guests or overnight accommodations, but never let anyone drive away intoxicated.
Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk!
JANET K. CATER
Orange
Janet K. Cater is president of the Orange County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
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