File: Chirstmas Enforcement PR# 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ronald J. Young Jr.
	(610) 798-4123

LEHIGH VALLEY REGIONAL DUI TASK FORCE TO CONTINUE ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Please be responsible when hosting holiday parties!

Allentown (December 21, 2006) --
The Lehigh Valley Regional DUI Task Force will conduct DUI enforcement activities such as “Cops in Shops”, sobriety checkpoints, and DUI roving patrols over the holidays in select locations throughout the Lehigh Valley.
A sobriety checkpoint consists of the police setting up a roadblock in a designated area and stopping each vehicle that drives through the location. Drivers who appear to be driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances will be tested.
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DUI-HOLIDAYS, Page 2.
The “Cops in Shops” program targets minors who attempt to purchase alcohol
and adults who attempt furnish alcohol to minors, by stationing undercover or “plain clothes” police officers in PA State Liquor Stores, beer distributors, eating establishments, and other businesses that sell alcohol.
Roving patrols watch for motorists who appear to be driving under the influence. There are no roadblocks with roving patrols.
Holiday spirits don't have to come in a bottle. If you plan on hosting a holiday party, remember to offer your guests non-alcoholic refreshments and nutritious food. Monitor your guest's drinking, serve them measured, standard drinks, and stop serving alcohol at least one hour before your party ends.
Be sure this year's holidays live up to your expectations. Take care of your friends, your family and yourself by following these simple guidelines:
1. Do not let someone who has been drinking drive. Arrange for him or her to sleep in your home or to ride with a sober driver;
2. Provide your guests with an attractive selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Remember that about one-third of all adults in the U.S. abstain from drinking alcohol completely for a variety of reasons. Remember, too, that informed, health-conscious adults whom you know to drink on occasion will prefer non-alcoholic beverages in the following situations;
3. Never serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, for whom it is an illegal drug. Remember that your responsibility for drinking by underage guests lasts beyond the time they are in your home. Remember, too, that alcohol-related car crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-to 24-year-olds;
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DUI-HOLIDAYS, Page 3.
4. Provide your guests with nutritious food. Eating will slow alcohol's effects;
5. Appoint a bartender to monitor guests' drinking and serve measured, standard drinks rather than doubles or "holiday specials." Guests can better control their drinking when they are drinking amounts with which they are familiar;
6. Do not serve alcohol to an intoxicated guest. Offer him or her a non-alcoholic drink, but remember that nothing can "sober up" a person immediately. It takes the human body approximately two hours to metabolize each ounce of alcohol; coffee or a cold shower can only create a wide-awake drunk instead of a sleeping one;
7. Choose fruit juices instead of carbonated mixers. Carbonation speeds alcohol absorption;
8. Be sure that drinking does not become the primary focus or activity of your party;
9. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends.
The Task Force partners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Pennsylvania DUI Association to raise public awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, speeding, and seat belt usage.

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