 (ARA) - It seems everyone has a story they can tell about the dangers of drunken driving.
Even if you haven't lost a close friend or family member in an alcohol-related accident, you probably know someone who has, or have been deeply touched by a news story about a carload of kids killed after crashing head-on into a tree.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 16,694 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2004. That figure accounts for 39 percent of all traffic-related deaths for the year.
As startling as those statistics are, equally tragic is the fact that all of those deaths were preventable. In an effort to get people to think twice before getting behind the wheel drunk, police departments across the country regularly hold highly publicized sweeps where they let people know they're going to be on the lookout for drunk drivers. They have handed out Guardian Angel (www.guardianangel.com) personal alcohol test kits during community outreach events, and even outside bars.
The goal, to get people to test themselves before getting behind the wheel. All the user has to do is put the padded end of a single test strip in their mouth for 10 to 15 seconds, and two minutes later, match the darkest color on the test pad to the risk meter. The person can then determine their blood alcohol range, which can be an eye-opening surprise for even moderate drinkers.
Symptoms of Alcohol impairment
- Impaired Vision - Depth perception becomes distorted and your pupils do not react as fast to light. This causes an inability to judge distances and light may be blinding to you.
- Impaired Coordination - This is especially important as being able to push the right pedal while driving, such as the brake and accelerator, could make a big difference in the outcome while driving.
- Impaired Judgment - This is important as it relates to the ability to make good decisions while driving.
- Impaired Memory - While intoxicated you could forget where you are going and/or why you were going there. Appointments are missed and recent events become a blur.
And it doesn't take too many drinks to get intoxicated. An average sized man, weighing 180 pounds would have to wait three hours for the effects of two drinks to wear off. For a 140 pound woman, it would take five hours for the effects from those two drinks to wear off.
"Ignorance is not a good thing when it comes to the issue of drunk driving, and few people really understand what their blood alcohol level is," says John Moulden, Transportation Safety Associate and past president of the National Commission Against Drunk Driving. "So these self-assessment devices are a valuable tool to give people the information and education they want and need."
Guardian Angel personal alcohol testing strips are available directly from the manufacturer. The cost is less than $1 per test. You can place an order online by logging on to www.guardianangel.com.
Copyright © 2006, ARA Content
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