Drunk Driving caused approximately 15,794 accidents in 1999.

Factors that will affect the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in a person:

• How much alcohol you drink.
• How fast you drink. The quicker you drink, the higher your peak BAC will be. The liver gets rid of alcohol at the average rate of one drink per hour (12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine, 1 shot of distilled liquor). If a person drinks faster than this, the remainder will circulate in the blood stream until the liver can get rid of it.
• Body weight. Heavier people will be less affected by the same amount of alcohol than lighter people. They have more blood and water in their bodies in which to dilute the alcohol.
• Food in the stomach. When there is food in the stomach, alcohol is absorbed slower into the blood stream. The BAC rises more rapidly in those who drink on an empty stomach, because there is no food in which to dilute the alcohol.
• The type of alcohol you drink. The stronger a drink is (the higher the alcohol concentration, distilled alcohol first, wine second, beer third) the more quickly it is absorbed. This partially explains why hard liquor has more of an apparent " kick" than wine or beer.
• Type of mixer used. Water and fruit juices mixed with alcohol slow the absorption process, while carbonated beverages will speed it up. Carbon dioxide speeds the alcohol through the stomach and intestine into the bloodstream, creating a rapid rise in BAC.
• Temperature of the drink. Warm alcohol is absorbed quicker than cold alcohol.
• If you are male or female. Women reach a higher BAC faster because they have less water in their bodies and more adipose tissue (fat), which is not easily penetrated by alcohol. Therefore, a man and woman, with all other factors being equal, both drinking the same amount of alcohol will have different BAC levels. Hers will be higher. A woman's menstrual cycle will also affect her rate of absorption. They will experience their highest BAC during their premenstrual stage. In addition, there is also evidence that a woman taking birth control pills will absorb alcohol faster, resulting in higher BAC levels.

How To Calculate Your Estimated Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

• Count your drinks. One "drink" is equivalent to = 1 can or 12 oz. of beer (5% alcohol), 1 glass or 5oz. of wine (12% alcohol), or 1 shot or 1-1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor (40% alcohol).
• Use the chart below and under number of "drinks" and opposite "body weight" find the percent of blood alcohol listed.
• Subtract from this number the percent of alcohol "burned up" during the time elapsed since your first drink. This figure is .015% per hour. (Example: 180 lb. man - 8 drinks in 4 hours / .167% minus (.015x4) = .107 %

Tips For Controlling Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

• Pace your drinking, allow time between drinks.
• Consider alternating non-alcoholic "decoy" drinks with those containing alcohol, i.e. drinking plain orange juice every other drink.
• Don't drink on an empty stomach, foods with fats and/or proteins slow alcohol absorption.
• Keep track of how much you are drinking; know how much alcohol is poured into every glass.
• Dilute distilled beverages, don't drink them straight. After the first few drinks, reduce the amount of alcohol in each drink. (Your taste buds will be dulled and you won't be able to tell the difference) itch to "light beer" or "low alcohol" wines after the first few drinks. (Again, your taste buds will be dulled and you won't be able to tell the difference.)
• Avoid possible interactions between alcohol and other drugs (including certain foods and over-the-counter medications).
• Drink only if YOU want to, don't let others dictate your choice.
• Keep active. Don't just sit down and drink all night. If you keep active you will drink less and will be more aware of your level of intoxication.
• Keep out of "Chugging" contests or other drinking "games."
• Stop drinking before the party is over, to allow your liver time to burn off some of the alcohol. Drink non-alcoholic beverages the last hour or so.
• Keep in mind that an added ice cube, a slightly smaller glass, or a "decoy" drink will go undetected by others. They may help you to resist the well-meaning efforts of others at the party who can't stand to see someone without a drink in their hand.
• Remember: Careful planning of a party can increase the pleasure for both the guests and the hosts. BAC's are good measures of the amount of pleasure (or discomfort) that will result from a particular pattern of drinking. BAC's in excess of 0.125% will NOT increase the pleasure, only the discomfort.
• Responsible alcohol use means that you won't be sorry in the morning.