Do you love to host the party for the big game?

Unfortunately, some take partying too far and we don’t mean screaming and yelling at the TV because that is perfectly acceptable. Forty percent of the vehicle-related deaths that occurred after the big game in 2010 were due to drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Washington state has some of the toughest drinking and driving laws in the country, so don’t assume that because you think your blood alcohol content (BAC)  is under .08 you are okay to drive. The law RCW 46.61.502  states that if the analysis shows a concentration above 0.0 it may be used as evidence that the person was under the influence of alcohol, meaning, even if you are below the legal limit you could be charged with a DUI if an officer believes you were showing signs of intoxication or were impaired.

The best policy is don’t drink and drive period. The consequences can be severe and aren’t worth it.

Here are some tips to keep your party—and the ride home—safer for the big game.

Tips for the host

• Serve plenty of food to help offset the effects of alcohol.  The salty foods we often serve can make people feel thirsty, so make sure a pitcher of water is visible, and readily acessible, or bottled water is handy.
• Stock up on enticing non-alcoholic beverages for the designated drivers and any other guests who aren’t drinking.
• Stop serving alcoholic beverages when the fourth quarter begins.
• Limit the number of drinks you yourself enjoy because you are responsible for your party.
• Help your guests make travel arrangements with a designated driver or taxi. Make sure guests feel welcome to spend the night if they are drinking and don’t have a designated driver.

Tips for the guests

• Leave your vehicle at home if you plan to drink at all and arrange to have a designated driver pick you up and take you home. Otherwise, make plans to stay overnight or plan ahead and input a cab company’s number on your phone.
• Eat plenty of food and don’t drink on an empty stomach.
• Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Keep an eye on friends who are drinking.  Don’t be afraid to take away their keys.
• Offer your designated driver to pay for gas.
• Watch for drunk drivers during your ride home, and report suspects to the police.
• Don’t forget to wear your seat belt.

Have fun and GO HAWKS!!

The information in this article was obtained from various sources including the ones found below. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative loss measure. The information is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified legal professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any insurance policy.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.20.308

http://dui.drivinglaws.org/washington.php