Holiday Safe Driving

More than half of Hawaii’s traffic fatalities during the holidays are due to alcohol, speeding or both. Celebrations with family and friends also mean a higher rate of alcohol impaired driving. Considering the additional hazards of the holidays also being Hawaii’s rainy season and with increased traffic on the roads there is a higher likelihood of having more accidents during the holidays than any other time of the year.

The holidays should be a time of celebration, but those who are planning to be on the road should use caution and judgment. If you are planning to drink at a party or gathering, please consider appointing a designated driver or make alternate plans to call a taxi or driving service.

Did you know…

• The legally intoxicated Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level in the State of Hawaii is .08 percent. Blood Alcohol Content or BAC is the concentration of alcohol in one’s bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. It is used to determine whether a person is legally intoxicated under the state’s Drunk Driving laws.
• Alcohol content depends on the beverage. Typically, a “drink” or serving of alcohol is defined as:
  • 12 oz. serving of beer (4 – 4.5% alcohol content)
  • 4 oz. serving of wine (15 – 20% alcohol content)
  • 1.5 oz. shot of liquor (30 – 50% alcohol content)
• Alcohol is absorbed and metabolized at an average rate of .015 percent per hour, but also depends on other factors such as:
  • Weight. In general, the less you weigh, the more you will be affected by alcohol.
  • The amount of food in your stomach. Food will slow alcohol absorption but will not prevent intoxication.
  • Percentage of body fat. Alcohol will affect a well-toned individual less than someone with a higher percentage of body fat – even if both people are the same weight.
• A 120-pound woman can reach a .08 percent BAC level after only two drinks in one hour. A 180-pound man can be at .08 percent BAC level after 4 drinks.