A new study released this week confirmed that people are more likely to be killed in alcohol-related crashes during the holidays than at other time of the year, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
From Christmas to New Year's, "two to three times" more people are killed in alcohol-related crashes than during other time periods of the year.
The site warns drivers that while caffeinated drinks like soda and coffee can help with drowsiness, it doesn't stop the effects of alcohol has regarding coordination and decision-making while operating a motor vehicle.
To make matters worse, the sedative effects alcohol can have on an individual increases the chance of falling asleep or losing attention altogether while behind the wheel.
A "standard drink" is identified on the site as "any drink that contains about 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of "pure" alcohol."
In 2011, approximately 226 children died in drunk driving crashes, 122 of those were with the drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Last year, there was a death every 51 minutes caused by drunk driving, according to the NHTSA. In December 2012, 830 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes.
Some safety tips to consider when drinking alcohol according to the NHTSA includes:
- A five-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce can of beer, a 12-ounce wine cooler and an ounce and a half of liquor contain the same amount of alcohol.
-Eating will help slow down an increase in Blood Alcohol Content. Avoid salty foods however.
-Have a number of a taxi service/ or a hotel programmed into your phone.
-Arrange for a ride home with either a sober friend attending the same event as you or located nearby.
-Juice and other mixers only mask the taste of alcohol, it doesn't dilute alcohol at all.
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