Tips on how to avoid a DUI charge, or to stop drinking altogether

By News-Sentinel staff

Here are tips to avoid driving under the influence:

• The American Automobile Association has created a special Web site with recipes for alcohol-free entertaining. The program is called, “Cheers!”

• Be a responsible host. Some groups suggest collecting and holding the keys of party-goers to guard against anyone leaving while intoxicated. You can also serve soft drinks to designated drivers.

• The National Commission Against Drunk Driving suggest serving food with alcohol, such as high-protein and carbohydrate foods like cheese and meats. They stay in the stomach much longer, which slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.

Further, if you serve alcoholic punch, use a noncarbonated base such as fruit juice. The body absorbs alcohol faster when mixed with carbonation.

Finally, do not force drinks on your guests or rush to refill their glasses when empty. And, stop serving alcohol about two hours before the party is over. Guests then have time for their bodies to absorb the alcohol.

• Look for ways to celebrate without alcohol. Some cities, including Stockton, offer alternatives to drinking. “First Night,” held on New Year’s Eve, is an alcohol-free party for friends and family complete with food and entertainment. For more information, call (209) 937-8136 or e-mail planners at info@firstnightstockton.org.

• If you choose to drink and don’t have a designated driver, take a bus or call a cab. GrapeLine operates six routes, providing service seven days a week. A 50-cent fare can take riders just about anywhere in town. It operates from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call (209) 333-6806. There is no service on New Years Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

• Dial-A-Ride offers point-to-point transportation on both a reservation and a demand response basis, serving both Lodi and neighboring Woodbridge and Acampo transportation. It is open to riders of all ages. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6:15 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 7:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Call (209) 333-6806 in Lodi.

• City Cab can be reached at (209) 327-2963, while Yellow Cab is at (209) 333-8294.

Getting Help

Have a drinking problem or know someone who does? Here are resources that can help.

• Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. The San Joaquin County Chapter is located in Stockton and can be reached by calling (209) 466-6600.

• Alcoholic Anonymous. The Stockton office is located at 563 E. Harding Way. For information, call (209) 464-1509.

• The National Commission Against Drunk Driving, located in Washington, D.C., compiles useful information on alcohol-free programs. It can be reached by phone at (202) 452-6004, or through its Web site.

• On the Internet, DUI-Help.com is a helpful tool for frequently asked questions about DUI laws and links to defense attorneys.

Contents

» High number of drinking and driving arrests in Lodi raises questions
» The .08 debate: Does low standard net social drinkers?
» Students tell stories of drinking at parties, rural areas
» Family copes with tragedy of drinking and driving
» Embarrassment, fines just the start when getting a DUI
» Tips on how to avoid a DUI charge, or to stop drinking altogether