It's something we don't often discuss in this column, but staying safe when celebrating should always be your top priority.
We all know too well — directly or indirectly — the consequences of the ultimate distracted driving: driving under the influence of alcohol.
Several years ago, Pennsylvania changed its legal blood alcohol content level from .10 to .08. This means that most of the time — even when you feel "OK" — you are still driving over the legal limit, putting you, your passengers, other drivers and pedestrians at risk.
Alcohol-related deaths account for more than 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania. Holiday weekends, such as this weekend, are times when drunk driving-related deaths and accidents typically rise.
To keep your BAC at a legal and functional level, you can use the "Alcohol Impairment Chart" found under "Alcohol Education" on the state's Liquor Control Board website, www.lcb.pa.state.us. Quick tips: Keep to one drink an hour, and have a glass of water between each drink. Craft beer drinkers: Ask the bartender the ACV (alcohol content by volume) before ordering; many of these delicious beers pack a wicked punch.
All of that said, the absolute safest means of travel when drinking is to have a designated driver (and I mean someone who isn't drinking at all, not drinking less than everyone else).
Local bars are starting to implement incentives to ensure the safety of their customers.
At Drinkin Bone, designated drivers for parties of three or more people receive a free meal and soft drinks. Let your server or the bartender know when you come in that you are the DD. Read more …
At Flinchy's in Lower Allen Twp., designated drivers get all their nonalcoholic drinks free, plus 10 percent off their food. Read more …
At Harrisburg gentlemen's club Savannah's on Hanna, designated drivers aren't charged an admission fee. They also receive complimentary soda and coffee. Read more …
Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country also has formed transportation partnerships with Unique Limousine and Premier 1 Limo, which together provide a number of safe and stylish options for cruising the wine trail. Read more …
via Out with Sara: Local bars give incentives to ensure customers' safety
