A reminder to be safe on roads

The California Highway Patrol and 21st Century Insurance Company report that this has been one of the most tragic years on California’s roads.

The total of 944 DUI fatalities so far in 2004 puts the state on track to set a five-year high for drunk-driving deaths.

The holiday calendar this year has presented further cause for concern with Christmas Eve and Christmas and now New Year’s—all busy travel days—falling on weekends, which are typically worse for DUI accidents, injuries and deaths.

"Risking the lives of your friends, family and fellow motorists by driving drunk is no way to celebrate," said Joyce Prager, spokesperson for 21st Century Insurance.

One way to reduce fatal car accidents is to not let common myths convince anyone to get behind the wheel of a car after a holiday party that includes alcohol consumption. Common misconceptions about drinking and driving include:

Myth: As long as party-goers stick to beer and wine, instead of hard liquor, the intoxicating effects are minimal.

Fact: One 12 oz. can of beer, 5 oz. glass of wine or 12 oz. wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol as 1 ½ oz. of hard liquor.

Myth: Someone who has had too much to drink will show visible signs of intoxication.

Fact: Physical appearance can be misleading. Just one drink can impair one’s ability to drive safely, because judgment and motor skills are the first things affected by alcohol consumption.

Myth: Drinking coffee sobers up someone who has had too much to drink.

Fact: Time is the only solution to intoxication. It takes about one hour to oxidize each drink consumed.

In addition to knowing the facts about drunk driving, party hosts have a responsibility to prevent friends and loved ones from becoming the next alcohol-related traffic-accident statistic.

Before the get-together, designate a driver or plan to use public transportation; never allow a guest to leave your party and drive if he or she has been drinking.

Motorists should also watch out for drunk drivers on the roads this New Year’s Eve.

To spot a drunk driver, look for these warning signs:

1) Driving well below the speed limit;

2) Driving outside marked lanes, weaving and zigzagging across the roadway;

3) Driving with headlights off at night;

4) Tailgating and erratic braking.