SOUNDING OFF: Some ways to stay safe on Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo has become a big night out for many people, particularly young adults. Whether meeting a few friends after work, or attending a Cinco de Mayo party, those celebrating this year should be sure to designate a sober driver in advance “” before the festivities begin.

Although Cinco de Mayo is intended to be a joyous occasion, it can be a very dangerous night out when alcohol is mixed with the celebration.

From 2002-2006, an average of 43% of all highway fatalities on May 5th and overnight into the early morning of the next day were caused by impaired drivers with blood alcohol content levels of .08% and above, according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

There are several simple things partygoers can do to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving:

?Designate a sober driver before going out to celebrate.

?Eat during the evening; load up on the chips and salsa and other appetizers, and then enjoy your other favorite Mexican foods during the evening.

?Don’t even think about getting behind the wheel if you’re drinking.

?Ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you; use other mass transit if available; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;

?Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive.

Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk.

The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant.

So please, enjoy Cinco de Mayo this year by designating your sober driver before the celebration begins. And remember on Cinco de Mayo, amigos don’t let amigos drive drunk!

ABBY SCHIMENEK lives in Laguna Beach.