News

Beebe Medical Center Reminds Employees About the Dangers of Drinking and Driving

11/27/07

Beebe Medical Center is partnering with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety to hold a "Mocktail" Party for its employees. A "Mocktail" Party is a non-alcoholic cocktail party aimed at educating the public about how to host a responsible holiday celebration.

Non-alcoholic punch and samples of appropriate party foods are served at the "Mocktail." The recipe for the Mocktail drink and many other recipes for non- alcoholic beverages are provided in a booklet that employees can take home with them. The booklet also contains safety tips for those hosting parties and recipes for hors d'oeuvres.

Delaware Office of Highway Safety staff members will be on hand to distribute safety information on impaired and aggressive driving, including state laws and penalties for violations. Those convicted of impaired driving face a three-month loss of license, 8 weeks of mandatory attendance at DUI treatment classes and can expect to pay an average of $3,000 in fines, court costs and attorney fees.

Beebe Medical Center urges its employees, as well as those in the community, to enjoy a safe holiday season and to avoid operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. In 2006, 55 of 147 traffic deaths in Delaware were alcohol-related. This was an 8% decrease from 2005. Of those alcohol-related deaths, 34 percent occurred in Sussex County. More than 6,000 people were arrested for DUI in Delaware in 2006



When hosting a holiday event that includes alcohol, hosts should avoid serving salty snacks like chips, pretzels or peanuts that make people want to drink more. Instead, they are encouraged to serve high protein foods such as meats, cheeses, and foods that have a high carbohydrate content.

Those hosting holiday celebrations should ensure that all guests have a sober ride home, and encourage friends going out to bars or restaurants to drink to appoint a sober designated driver.

The safe holiday booklets can be obtained from the state Office Of Highway Safety by telephoning (302) 744-2740, or by visiting the website www.ohs.delaware.gov and clicking on the "Safe Family Holiday" link.

Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org