Don't drive home from a holiday party after drinking, advises Peninsula Transportation Group

Don't drive home from a holiday party after drinking

, advises Peninsula Transportation Group

The holiday season can mean lots of parties and celebrating together with family, friends and co-workers. It also is the time when too many people get behind the wheel and drive impaired, says Cullan F. Meathe of Peninsula Transportation Group, LLC. He suggests handing the car keys over to a non-drinking friend, or calling a taxi. Other helpful ideas include prearranging for a sedan or limousine to pick up the party-goers when they are ready to go home.

All too often, drivers who should not be operating a vehicle cause tragic accidents. When they turn the key in the ignition, they may not believe they are legally intoxicated and might feel it's only a short trip home anyway.

Meathe says research shows that being impaired starts long before a person's blood alcohol concentration level reaches that legal limit of 0.8. Even at 0.5, drinkers will exhibit exaggerated behavior; they won't be able to focus their eyes as quickly; their judgment will be affected; and they will be less alert and less inhibited. Importantly, their reaction time to something out of the ordinary is slowed down and they won't realize it.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSA) says that, in 2005, there were 16,885 alcohol-related fatalities reported, equal to one alcohol-related fatality every 31 minutes and representing 39 percent of the total traffic fatalities for the year. Today, more effective, new technologies in vehicles are helping to reduce those numbers and prevent alcohol-impaired drivers from driving. But there are still far too many people who shouldn't be driving whose actions result in disasters.

For holiday party guests whose sober buddies can convince them to hand over the keys and give up the driver's seat, that is an admirable option, comments Meathe. For party hosts, there is a moral responsibility not to let alcohol impaired guests leave the house or apartment intending to drive. It may be difficult to get the drinker to agree, but it is worth it. Also, in some areas of the country, the police will also charge hosts if a guest is involved in a traffic accident.

When another person isn't available to drive the drinker home, or if sleeping it off on a couch isn't feasible, taxis are an excellent choice. The drinker, a friend or the host can call for a taxi, knowing that everyone will be a lot safer. In some communities, particularly around the holidays, there are specific programs that arrange taxi rides for drinkers.

Those who know they want to have a good time that will include the consumption of alcohol can plan ahead, so their friends and hosts aren't put in a difficult position. They can hire a sedan or limousine to take them to the party and then bring them home when the fun is winding down.

Meathe says Peninsula Transportation Group's taxis, sedans and limousines are well prepared to drive partying crowds during the holiday season and whenever they are needed. The company serves Southeast, Northeast and West Coast Florida. For more information, visit www.PeninsulaTransportation.com.

Holidays should be special. With the proper approach to drinking and driving, they also can be safe.

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