Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

The holiday season offers many occasions to celebrate. It is important to consider how our lives are affected by those who drink or use drugs and drive. Too often partygoers attend social functions, drink alcoholic beverages, and do not think twice about driving. Consider the following statistics where average citizens thought that they were Aokay to drive@ after drinking.

About two of every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol/drug related crash at some time in their lives. Every 84 minutes a teen is killed in a car crash; 51% of these crashes are alcohol related. There were 487 people killed in Michigan in 1996 due to alcohol-related crashes. In 1995, there were 1,511 alcohol-related crashes in Genesee County; over 100 involved 16-20 year olds. In 1996, 33 Genesee County residents were killed in alcohol-related crashes. So far, in 1997, 43 Genesee County residents have been killed.

What can be done to prevent alcohol/drug impaired driving? For youth, communicate that alcohol and drug use will not be tolerated. Emphasize that no one should ride in a car driven by someone who has used alcohol or other drugs. Adults should practice what they preach. Before arriving at a social event, determine who will be driving. Be sure that person is committed to not drinking alcohol. Party hosts should make sure there are plenty of alternatives to alcohol. Perhaps most important, be aware of those who are drinking and find out how they will return home.  For more information, call the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.