People who drink alcohol from a glass at a party are more likely to drive drunk than a bottle drinker!

[calydu]

Research has shown that people who attend parties where drinks are served in individual glasses or do not drink bottled beer are more likely to get behind the wheel of an automobile than a person drinking from a bottle.

Yeah, you are probably saying NO WAY!  Bottle drinkers are more likely to drive drunk especially if they drink more than one.

Here is the scenario that this research studied.

You are at a party.  You see those who are sitting at tables and have their empty bottles sitting there for "watchful eyes" to count and then play interference games to get the keys before they get behind the wheel to drive.  You see a person sitting at the bar and you see the individual drinks that they are served and can do the same.

Now, look at those who are drinking out of wine glasses or plastic cups.  Someone walks around with a bottle of wine, champagne, or a bottle of whiskey to add to the plastic cups of coke.  Even the person doing the drinking can't keep track of how much they drink because the top line of how much is in their glass/cups keeps going up and down.  If they are talking to someone and have their glass held out, they might not even realize that not only has someone added alcohol to their glass, but how much.  These may even be gradual drinkers.  You know the ones that "nurse" a drink during the whole party.  They will leave with keys in hand.  After all since it wasn't really a large amount each time or not beer, you may not even smell it on their breath.  They get behind the wheel and in this sitting position, mattering on how long the drive is, their blood flow slows, organs slow down.  What does this mean?  The liver is taking longer to filter.  The blood is not getting as hydrated as much as it needs.  Adrenaline is not in effect.  Also, if the car is really warm, there enters the "getting sleepy because of the heat".  Add that to how much alcohol my be in the system, and even if this driver does not make an error in driving, you never know what will run out in the road, or if another driver makes that error, or if there is a blowout to the tire of either car involved.

This person can be pulled over by a cop or be involved in an accident and have a alcohol screening done.  There will be a great surprise all around when it is discovered that their alcohol level is actually higher that the vodka drinker at the bar or the bottled beer drinker passed out on the table of empty beer bottles.

It only goes to show that just because a person is not a heavy drinker or an alcoholic, they can still drive while intoxicated without anyone ever realizing it..... that is until it is too late.

[mama2]

Jul. 4, 2007 at 3:20 PM Wow I did not know, thanks for giving me some knowledge about this subject, I don't really drink, if my hubby wants too I will take him out and I am the DD.

[acrackednutiB]

Jul. 4, 2007 at 4:13 PM

Wow this reinforces how I feel about having even 1 drink and driving!  My mom died that way!  Her horror story of her recovery stopped an entire family from drinking and driving!  It is nice to see another who worries about this to! lol now I know I am not the only one!

[penguinsrock]

Jul. 4, 2007 at 4:23 PM I didn't know this. I have a big problem with people who drive after drinking. My whole family, but me, does this. Drives me insane.

[Hawkmomm]

Jul. 4, 2007 at 5:15 PM I agree 100%.  I am always the driver. I dont drink. Too many meds and I dont want to mix them.  Thanks for sharing this. I think its important that others know this too. The 4 th of July is the deadliest in my state.  Isnt that amazing?? I thought it would have been New Years but that come is 7th.  Interesting huh??

[calydu]

Jul. 4, 2007 at 5:36 PM

I consider New Years Eve a holiday for those WITHOUT kids.  We have to find a babysitter way ahead of time for it.  The ones who are celebrating are those that CAN watch our kids.  So unless you find another parent(s) to take turns watching kids each year, you don't get to go out and drink.

4th of July is the one holiday that the "drinking" laws are not as strict and anyone can ddrink at a house, yard, or even park.  More drinkers....more accidents.

(Original Poster)

[lovingmax]

Jul. 4, 2007 at 10:21 PM you are absolutely right.  we don't drink socially, and if i have a glass of wine at home i never drink the whole glass.  everything changes when you have a baby.  or it should???  right?  i'm so glad we are older parents.  its so much easier to face a crowd and not care about peer pressure.

[sgr123]

Jul. 5, 2007 at 1:04 PM I absolutely refuse to drink and drive or allow anyone in my presence to do so.  I have threatened calling the police on friends before.  I have lost friends to drunk driving, my ex-MIL recently lost an arm because of it.  I have no use for people who drink and drive.  It is a controllable action.  Okay, rant off.  LOL

[AMBERNICHOLE]

Jul. 5, 2007 at 1:13 PM I agree with calydu seriously it is not right to do that

[busybee671011]

Jul. 5, 2007 at 10:11 PM

People should not drink and drive.

[kathystoll]

Jul. 6, 2007 at 11:37 AM I don't like anyone to drink and drive. I am either the designated driver or I take the key's and will not give them back till one is sober.