Century Council issues timely warning about drunk driving; July Fourth weekend is for celebration, not tragedy.LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 1, 1996--This week, as Americans gather at picnics, barbecues, and fireworks fireworks: see pyrotechnics. fireworks Explosives or combustibles used for display. Of ancient Chinese origin, fireworks evidently developed out of military rockets and explosive missiles and accompanied the spread of military explosives westward to spectaculars to celebrate our nation's independence, The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing alcohol abuse, reminds holiday revelers that celebrating should not end with a senseless tragedy brought on by drunk driving. In 1995, 49 percent of all U.S. traffic fatalities on the July Fourth weekend were alcohol-related (1995 FARS Preliminary File, NHTSA NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (US government) , 6/12/96). John C. Lawn John C. Lawn served as Administrator for the Drug Enforcement Administration between July 26, 1985 and March 23, 1990. On March 1 1985, Francis M. Mullen retired and John C. "Jack" Lawn, Deputy Administrator since 1982, became Acting Administrator. , chairman of The Century Council and former administrator of the national Drug Enforcement Administration The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was established in 1973 by President richard m. nixon as part of the Justice Department, thus uniting a number of federal drug agencies that had often worked at cross-purposes. , warns: "The greatest tragedy of drunk driving crashes is that they're wholly preventable. Harming innocent people by driving drunk is no way to celebrate our nation's 220th birthday." To encourage safe celebrations, The Century Council has prepared the following tips for being a responsible host this weekend and throughout the year: - Before the party starts, plan options for getting your guests home safely; - Always serve food -- it slows down the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol; - Don't force anyone to drink alcoholic beverages
beverages available and respect your guest's choice; - Always serve as "bartender" at your parties, making sure that drinks are mixed in sensible proportions and alcohol consumption stays within responsible limits; - Close the bar early to allow your guests time before they drive home -- serve food and coffee or non-alcoholic beverages
time; - Don't hesitate to offer a guest who has been drinking too much some food, coffee or other non-alcoholic drink -- stop serving him/her alcohol at this point and assure your guests that you have everyone's best interest in mind; - If certain guests have had too much to drink, offer them alternatives -- drive them home, call a cab, arrange another ride or invite them to spend the night. The Century Council is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing drunk driving and underage drinking problems. With headquarters in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. , the Council was founded in 1991 and is supported by a group of distillers, vintners, brewers and wholesalers. CONTACT: The Century Council Carolyn Gaspar, 213/624-9898 |
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