Monday, June 10, 2013

IS YOUR DESIGNATED DRIVER TOO DRUNK TO DRIVE?

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.


Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

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