Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, as designated by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD). Each year, NCADD and numerous other organizations use Alcohol Awareness Month as an opportunity to enhance public understanding and encourage their local communities to get proactive about alcohol-related issues.

This year’s theme for Alcohol Awareness Month is, “For the Health of It: Early Education on Alcoholism and Addiction.” According to a 2013 survey, adolescents use alcohol more frequently than they use all other illicit drugs combined. Nearly nine million youths reported consuming alcohol within the past month, and almost seven million considered themselves either binge drinkers or heavy drinkers. With these levels of dangerous alcohol use among our nation’s youth, NCADD is smart to focus this year’s campaign on early education and awareness.

With Alcohol Awareness Month, NCADD encourages healthcare providers and ministry organizations to spread the word about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption and the dangers of driving under the influence. As a parent, young driver, or member of your community, there are a number of things you can do as well:

  • Talk to your family about the risks of alcohol abuse and the dangers of getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.
  • Commit to yourself that you will not drink and drive.
  • Participate in NCADD’s Alcohol-Free Weekend, which is a time to abstain from drinking and learn more about the signs and risks of alcoholism.
  • If you think you might have a problem with alcohol, seek help. Your friends, family, and local health organizations are all available to support you in getting the help you need.

The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

Of course, one of the greatest risks of excessive alcohol consumption involves getting behind the wheel. MADD offers some sobering statistics:

  • In 2013, there were 10,076 fatalities and 290,000 injuries in alcohol-related accidents.
  • Every day, 28 people die in drunk driving collisions.
  • Only about one percent of drunk drivers get arrested, and the average person who gets arrested for DUI has already driven drunk 80 times.
  • Almost one in four drunk drivers are between the ages of 21 and 25.

As personal injury lawyers who represent victims of auto accidents, we know all too well how easy it is for these statistics to hit home. We regularly handle cases involving collisions caused by drunk drivers. We will be participating in Alcohol Awareness Month, and we encourage you to get involved as well.

For More Information, Contact the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC Today

Mike Bottaro and the team at the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC are passionate about reducing the risks of alcohol consumption and drunk driving. To learn more about the issues and how we can help you if you are a victim of an alcohol-related collision, please contact us today.