Avoid Drinking and Driving on New Year's Eve

As DuPage County residents prepare for celebrations to welcome the New Year, the DuPage County Health Department reminds people to avoid drinking and driving.

The Health Department shares the following tips on how to be safe at holiday parties where alcohol is served: 

• Eat before you begin drinking. A full stomach helps slow the rate of absorption.
• Drink slowly to give your body time to handle the alcohol. Space your drinks.
• Know what you are drinking. Do not accept a drink if you do not know what is in it. Also, do not leave your drink unattended.
• Before your first drink, set a reasonable limit on the number of drinks you will have and then stick to it.
• If you are the host or hostess, serve food and stop serving alcohol a few hours before you expect the party to end. Offer non-alcoholic drinks for non-drinkers and designated drivers. Do not let a guest who has been drinking heavily drive home. Call a taxicab, have a sober friend drive or urge the guest to spend the night.

 Alcohol’s effect on an individual is determined primarily by two factors: the amount of alcohol consumed and the rate at which it is absorbed. Other contributing factors include body weight, alcohol tolerance, mood, environment and the amount of food consumed