MEDICAL SURFARI: SAFE CELEBRATING: HOW WISE MEN TAVEL FOR HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is packed full of parties and celebrations, and many times that includes alcoholic beverages. Traditionally, this is one of our deadliest times of the year on our nation's highways, and impaired, aggressive driving is a big part of this problem.

Impaired driving affects every one of us in some way, some more tragically than others. Each year an estimated one half million people sustain permanent brain and spinal cord injuries in the United States -- many of these are in young to middle-age people and are due to alcohol related driving incidents -- not accidents. Impaired driving is no accident! These incidents are "crashes" that are predictable and preventable.

Knowing the truth about alcohol may also make a difference this season. Don't fall victim to these myths about alcohol and driving:

Myth:

"Alcohol is a stimulant."

Fact:

Alcohol is a depressant. It acts like an anesthetic to lower or depress the activity of your brain.

Myth:

"Drinking coffee sobers me up."

Fact:

Coffee cannot rid your system of alcohol. Only time reverses impairment.

Myth:

"I always stay away from the hard stuff, so I'll be okay."

Fact:

Alcohol is alcohol. Beer has the same effect as straight scotch. One 12-ounce beer has just as much alcohol as a 1.5 ounce shot of whiskey or a 5-ounce glass of wine.

Myth:

"I'm bigger so I can handle my liquor better."

Fact:

Size is only one factor in how much you can drink. Metabolism, amount of rest, and food intake all play a part in how you handle liquor. Impairment in motor reflexes and judgement can begin with the first drink.

Rolling down the car windows, driving slow, or splashing cold water on your face are other myths that are ineffective. The bottom line is that there is nothing to counteract or reverse the effects of alcohol or drugs. Only time remedies this impairment. And, the amount of time varies for each individual depending upon age, size, metabolism, rest, food intake, and the amount and rate of alcohol consumption.

Never serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under age!If you drink, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver.Report impaired drivers.Be a responsible party host by:

-- serving alternative non-alcoholic beverages;

-- serving high-protein food;

-- controlling the amount of alcoholic beverages served - no open bars;

-- asking alcohol-impaired guests to stay overnight or call a cab to assure them a safe ride home; and

-- taking the keys away from an impaired guest.Wise men (and women) travel unimpaired.

World Wide Web Resources

These sites are solidly good for more information.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

This site provides good information on vehicles and equipment with searchable data bases on vehicle recalls, defect investigations, and consumer complaints as well as tips on traffic safety.

National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D)Prevention Month Coalition http://www.3dmonth.org This home page contains information on the Coalition and its members and planned events. There is general information on the impaired driving problem, suggestions for what individuals and organizations can do, and even non-alcoholic drink recipes!

THINK FIRST Foundation

http://www.thinkfirst.org/home.htm

This foundation's mission is to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries through education. THINK FIRST and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have common interests and work together in preventing injury from impaired driving.

Dr. Scott Gibbs is a neurosurgeon and editor-in-chief of Mosby's Medical Surfari. You may e-mail questions to him at drgibbs@semissourian.com or write in care of the Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.