According to MADD, from 6 am on November 27, 1997 to December 26, 1997, there were 4058 traffic fatalities and 1498 of those were alcohol related. That means that 36.9% of those 4098 deaths could have prevented. Those people could possibly be here now to celebrate this once in a lifetime event ....the new Millenium.

Out of curiosity I checked MADD's State Statistics for 1997. what I found was shocking. There were a total of 16,189 people who died as a result of either their own or somebody elses choice to drive while intoxicated. That would be the equivalent of an entire small town in some areas.

When I sat down to write this article, I wasn't sure where I wanted to go with it. As I searched MADD's website, browsing through various topics and links, it all became clear. Since this is a holiday season and a time for cheer, I thought I would pass along some tips and ideas for safe partying.

If you are planning a party for the holidays please use these ideas. As a host/hostess it is your responsibility to plan everything from drinks to entertainment to designated drivers.

* Plan a lot of activities so guests will be too busy to drink excessively.

* Prepare plenty of foods and snacks but avoid items that are too salty. (salty foods cause thirst which leads to more drinking)

* Prepare or serve non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers and others who choose not to drink alcoholic beverages.

* MADD suggests using non-carbonated beverages in punch recipes calling for alcohol. Carbonated drinks cause alcohol to be absorbed in the blood stream faster.

* Don't let guests mix their own drinks. Choose a reliable bartender.

* Designate drivers, plan for taxi service or shuttles in the event a guest becomes too intoxicated to drive.

And please, never push drinks on your guests.

For a more complete party planning guide and recipes, please visit MADD's Party Guide. There you will find the truth about some common myths, ideas for how to handle intoxicated guests and how to spot a drunk driver.

This one is for concerned parents and their teens.

By visiting this link, you will find out the truth about all those "lines" your friends use to explain or rationalize their use of alcohol, like coffee sobers you up. Yeah right!

Did you know.......

Alcohol and tobacco together kill more than 50 times the number of people killed by cocaine, heroin and every other drug combined.

OR

33% of nearly 200,000 students surveyed said that their parents often do not set clear rules. And half said that they are not disciplined routinely when the break the rules.

So you wanna be cool and have respect? Try this one on for size.....Be a leader and not a follower. You can still hang out at the party and look kewl with a coke can in hand instead of a Bud. It's all in your attitude....or as we say at our house, your 'tude.

Parents can check out A Parent's Guide To Teenagers and Drinking for ideas on how to talk to your kids about alcohol and related issues. There are links to a poetry/essay contest, a coloring book for elementary kids, information on the Youth Summits and more.

Last but not least, students and parents can visit SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and obtain a form to support the "Together We Can" campaign.

Well, maybe just one more thing. Since it is the time for gift giving, here are some MADD gift ideas. They include a CD with music from Lorrie Morgan, Carly Simon and other artists, Gourmet Popcorn, fashion accessories, toys, trains and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to MADD.

Have a safe and happy holiday season....hope to see you in the new Millenium.

Contributed by, Lisa
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