Small Gatherings With Lots Of Alcohol Still Present BIG Problems

Group of people toasting for Christmas

The Thanksgiving holiday may look significantly different this year with gatherings not quite as big and less holiday travel, but many will likely get together in smaller groups to celebrate with friends or local family.  With less of a distance to travel it may be tempting to drink a little more then you otherwise might have because the ride home is a lot shorter.  This is, of course, a big mistake.  It doesn’t take much alcohol for you to get over the legal limit to drive, which in Connecticut is .08.  Getting to .08 blood alcohol level can take as few as 3 beers.

It is important to follow all of the same steps you would follow if you were traveling a long distance and doing any drinking at all.  You should;

• Designate a driver.  This is the best thing you can do to keep everyone in your car safe
• Limit your alcohol intake.  If there is not a designated driver available you should severely limit your alcohol intake at any party or gathering you are attending.
• Stop drinking early.  A party might last for a few hours and if you drink right up until the time you’re going to leave, you will likely have some ill effects of the alcohol.
• Call an UBER.  If you don’t have a designated driver and you haven’t been watching your intake, call a ride and you can come back for your car in the morning.
• Wear a seatbelt.  No matter who is driving you should always wear your seatbelt to stay safe.  This is the most important thing you can do once you’re in the car already.

No matter what your travel plans look like this holiday season, it is important to remember that designating a driver or avoiding alcohol if you’re going to be driving are the best ways to keep you and your family safe.

From our family to yours we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.  Please drink responsibly and designate a driver.