DESIGNATED DRIVERS OFTEN
FAIL TO ABSTAIN FROM DRINKING
www.wyso.org
- We might need to change the definition of a designated
driver from noble abstainer to something along the lines of not as drunk
as you. The idea of having one person in a group agree not to drink so
that everyone else can get home safely after a night of alcohol-fueled
fun has been promoted as a way to reduce the dangers of drunken driving,
especially among teenagers and young adults. But when researchers put
the idea to the test, the results weren't all that reassuring.
Breath
tests of young adults leaving a bar on Saturday night, they found that
41 % of the designated drivers had been drinking. Almost 20 % had been
drinking enough to be considered impaired drivers. It may be that these
youthful bon vivants interpret the duties of designated driver
differently than do safety advocates.
In
this study, researchers at the University of Florida tested the blood
alcohol levels of 1,071 people leaving bars in Gainesville on Saturday
night, after a Gators home football game. There were 165 people who said
they were designated drivers. The breath test showed that 41 % had been
drinking. Seventeen % of the designated drivers had blood alcohol
levels of 0.02 or below, so they might be able to make the case that
they were kind of safe behind the wheel. But 18 % had blood alcohol
levels of 0.05 or higher. Uh-oh.
All
of the participants were above 18; their average age was around 30, and
about half of them were students. The drinkers who weren't designated
drivers did have higher blood alcohol levels than the designated
drivers, on average ... if that's any consolation.

The
Abstainer, the Chosen One: designated drivers are known by many names,
but according to a recent study, one name that many designated drivers
don't live up to is “sober,” says the reporter Richard Read. Researchers
found that 165 participants who identified themselves as designated
drivers, 35% admitted that they had consumed alcohol during the course
of the evening. “To parents of college-age kids, that's very important
to keep in mind,” he explained. “If you've got children of your own,
talk to them about the importance of choosing a designated driver wisely
and in advance.” If they can not refrain from drinking alcohol, there
is always the option of calling a cab.
WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US?
Intoxication
is one of the more obvious sinful activities because so many people
develop addictions to it. Whether it be alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana,
or caffeine, addiction to intoxication is very common. Considering the
fact that our senses are impossible to satisfy, it is no surprise that
many take to intoxication in an attempt to break free of the senses.
Instead of trying to escape the senses, the Vedas tell us to purify them
through practicing devotional service to God, or Bhakti yoga. ... The
easiest way to refrain from these activities is to always keep yourself
engaged in God’s service wherever you are and whatever you may be doing. Keep chanting “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare” and you will be guaranteed of success.
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