ODOT release – SALEM, Ore. –As Oregonians gear up to celebrate the busy months of summer – from Fourth of July and barbecues to weddings and river outings – the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Alcohol Prevention Program and the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Impaired Driving Program are partnering to remind everyone about the importance of driving sober and drinking less. Excessive drinking impairs a person’s judgment, slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions. This Fourth of July, OHA and ODOT are encouraging people in Oregon to make a commitment to themselves and their loved ones by celebrating safely and not driving under the influence. Ryan Stone, Impaired Driving Program manager for ODOT, says, “Preventing impaired driving is a shared responsibility. Let’s make a plan before we start the celebration to keep our roads safe.” More than 2,000 people in Oregon die from alcohol-related causes every year. During summer months, the state sees liquor sales increase, which means there is more alcohol in communities and people may be drinking more. “Excessive alcohol use can sneak up on us during many occasions,” says Tom Jeanne. M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA. “Whether you are at home or out at bars, events, holidays or special occasions, summer is a time when it can feel like many of our favorite activities are also occasions where drinking is encouraged. But the harms from too much drinking can increase during this season as well.” Jeanne adds that the immediate harms include motor vehicle crashes, boating injuries, drownings and heat deaths. “On top of these, alcohol contributes to cancer, heart disease, poor mental health, and many other health harms all year long,” he says. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 31% of all drownings are alcohol related. Heat and alcohol can also be a dangerous mix. About 11% of summer heat deaths in Oregon are alcohol related. But these deaths can be prevented. OHA’s Rethink the Drink campaign encourages people to have new conversations about alcohol. Rethink the Drink is partnering with ODOT to urge communities to come together to prevent harms and make our communities safer. Everyone has the power to change how we show up for the people and places that are beloved in Oregon. That starts with people driving sober and doing what they can to reduce excessive drinking. Tips for a safe Fourth of July and summer season: Plan ahead: Arrange for a designated driver and use public transportation or ride-sharing services. Host responsibly: Offer non-alcoholic beverages and monitor guests’ alcohol consumption. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat food while you’re drinking. Drink less: Consider swapping every other drink with water or a non-alcoholic beverage, or watering down a drink with more ice or low-sugar mixer. Make a plan: Decide your alcohol limit for the week if you want to reduce your drinking. Think about what triggers you to drink too much and create a plan to handle urges. Count: Track your drinking using a mobile app or other tools. Find resources at rethinkthedrink.com/resources. Have conversations: Take time to pause, learn about the harms caused by excessive drinking, and talk with your loved ones about the way alcohol is prevalent in our lives and communities. Join the conversation at rethinkthedrink.com
