Healthy mocktails could help you ring in the new year safely

In just a few hours we will be ringing in a brand new decade, surrounded by loved ones, great friends and delicious food and drinks — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike.  

Hats off to the designated drivers who chose to go alcohol free and help get their friends and loved ones home this holiday season. 

In years past, being the designated driver meant an evening of sugary juice filled mocktails, caffeinated colas or ginger ale.  But according to the Washington Post a new era of moderation seems to be upon us, with health-conscious Americans drinking less.  In fact, the Washington Post reports that 30% of Americans do not consume alcohol at all and an additional 30% consume two drinks or less per week. 

The food and beverage industry has responded with non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits, and zero-proof cocktails taking center stage on many drink menus, making it easier and more enjoyable than ever to go alcohol free at home or at holiday events. 

So, if you’re the holiday host, the designated driver or just going alcohol free for your own reasons this year, you’ll find options that are both satisfying and interesting.  Here’s to getting off to a healthier, safer new year with zero proof and zero fatalities.

We have found a couple of recipes that we think you’ll enjoy at your next party.

Zero-Proof Strawberry Mojito, from https://www.southernkitchen.com/recipes/drink/zero-proof-strawberry-mojito

Serves: Makes 2 drinks

Hands On Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

6 strawberries, sliced, plus more for garnish
6 lime rounds
2 springs fresh mint
1/2 ounce agave syrup or honey
Ice cubes
Strawberry or plain sparkling water, to top off the glass

Instructions

Divide the strawberries, lime rounds and mint between two glasses of your choice. Muddle the fruit until it releases its juices. Muddle in the agave. Fill the glass with ice cubes, then top with the sparkling water. With a long spoon, stir all of the ingredients together. Garnish with additional strawberries and enjoy immediately.

The Garden Sour, from: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/10/t-magazine/food/dryanuary-no-alcohol-cocktails.html

∙ 1 ½ ounces Seedlip Garden

∙ ½ ounce aquafaba

∙ ¼ ounce simple syrup

∙ ¼ ounce celery

∙ ½ ounce apple

∙ ¼ ounce ​lemon Nigella seeds garnish

Method: Pour all ingredients into a Boston shaker. Dry shake (without ice). Add ice (enough to fill small side of cocktail shaker) and shake until frothy. Double strain into an 8-ounce coupe using Hawthorne and mesh strainers. Garnish with Nigella seeds.

Remember, if you do choose to drink alcohol, to rely on a sober designated driver, or call a ride share service to help get you home safely. 

Holiday season is filled with many choices, make sure yours is to drive sober

We are surrounded by choices every day, and this time of year is no different. Do we get Sally an engineering kit or the Wonder Woman action figure she always wanted? Does Billy get a Transformers toy, or a tool kit? The results can make happy memories that we can cherish throughout the year. Another choice people face is whether to get behind the wheel after drinking, which can create devastating memories.  

This holiday season The Kansas Department of Transportation is teaming up with the state and local law enforcement officers and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind all drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. We’ll be working together to remind everyone of the importance of planning a sober ride home before heading out to enjoy the holiday festivities and en route to seasonal travel destinations. This holiday season, and every day, remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

According to NHTSA, 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 29% (10,874) of those fatalities occurred in crashes during which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08. In fact, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver during the month of December 2017 alone. The holidays prove to be extra dangerous to drivers, as more people — drivers and pedestrians alike — are out on the roads.

In Kansas, around 400 lives are lost each year in traffic crashes, which is more than one per day.

“Of these 400 fatalities, about 1 in 4 are the result of an impaired driver,” Julie Lorenz, Kansas Secretary of Transportation said. “That equates to about 100 persons losing their lives on Kansas roads due to an impaired driver. Beyond the tragic loss of more than 100 people each year, we must consider the countless other lives impacted by this preventable action. These fatalities have a ripple effect, impacting family, friends, coworkers and loved ones.”

Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is an increasing problem, for men and for women alike. If drivers are impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs — they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is illegal in all states to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Remember: Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple.

Drinking and driving should never be combined. It’s essential to plan a sober ride in advance if the holiday celebration will include alcohol. The alternative could change your life, not to mention the lives of your passengers, of pedestrians, or of other drivers and passengers nearby.

This holiday season, KDOT, local law enforcement and NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving.

Party with a Plan

First and foremost: Plan ahead. Be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll be drinking. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously — your friends are relying on you.

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If available, use your community’s sober ride program
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement.
• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

“The decision to drive impaired is a choice and the wrong choice can be a fatal result,” Lorenz said.  “Wear a seat belt, buckle up every time, so you can get home to your family and friends.
The celebrations and the love and warmth is waiting there for you.”

Be prepared for Independence Day and summer travel

Summer travel is heating up across the country and many people will celebrate this holiday weekend by hitting the road and traveling to - and through - the Sunflower State. The Kansas Turnpike Authority and Kansas Highway Patrol and The Kansas Department of Transportation are partnering to remind motorists to travel safely during Independence Day, and throughout the rest of the summer.

From July 3 through July 5, KHP personnel will be working in support of the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) enforcement, along with personnel from other states. C.A.R.E. focuses on occupant protection, impaired driving laws, and other crash-causing traffic violations. C.A.R.E.’s goal is increased safety and ease of travel on our nation’s roadways.

Being prepared for any summer travel is a big factor in keeping your trip running smoothly,” said Steve Hewitt, Kansas Turnpike Authority CEO. “For our travelers on the Turnpike, if you find yourself needing roadside assistance, our State Farm Safety Assist program is available in our busy corridors to help get you back up and running.”

Before travelers pack their cars, they can check their route for potential delays or construction with the help of KanDrive, www.kandrive.org. KanDrive includes camera images and interactive maps as well as links to rest areas and travel and tourism sites.

Smartphone users can access the site by going to www.kandrive.org and bookmarking it to your home screen so it’s ready when you need it. If users would prefer to use the text-based mobile website, it can be found at 511mm.ksdot.org.

Much of the same information can be accessed by calling 5-1-1 in Kansas or 1- 866-511-KDOT (5368) in the U.S. Before hitting the road, drivers and their passengers need to buckle up.

“Drivers need to set a good example by wearing their seat belts,” said Julie Lorenz, Kansas Secretary of Transportation.

Studies in Kansas show that if the driver is belted, about 95 percent of all other passengers in the vehicle are properly restrained.  If the driver is NOT belted, it’s only 25 percent of the other passengers.

“Seat belts save lives every day,” Lorenz said. "It is easy to do and could save your life.”

The agencies wish all of those traveling during the upcoming holiday, safe travels. If you are in need of help on a Kansas highway, you can call KHP for assistance at *47 (*HP) or *KTA (*582) for the Kansas Turnpike.

As you enjoy your summer travels and celebrate Independence Day, the agencies offer some tips to help you and your family have a blast:

• It’s hot out there so make sure your vehicle is in proper working order for the heat of summer - check fluids, tires, the air conditioning and cooling system.
• When you leave, start off with a full tank of gas and a fully charged phone.
• Plan your route of travel and check www.kandrive.org for construction, and other issues with your travel plans. The site also has links to other states’ travel information. Also give a family member your travel plans. 
• As you travel, remember to Move Over for first responders and highway maintenance crews. If you are unable to Move Over, then Slow Down.
• In case of a break down, keep emergency supplies in your car, including bottles of water, a phone charger, and non-perishable food items.
• Ensure everyone in your vehicle is using their seat belt and/or an appropriately-fitted child safety seat.
• Arrange for a designated driver ahead of time if you’ll be consuming alcohol. Do not drink and drive.
• If you’re hosting a party, have non-alcoholic drink alternatives available for designated drivers. 

Ring in the new year...safely!

This time tomorrow will be a brand new year! We know you will be you are celebrating 2019 tonight. And whether it is with your family, a night on the town with friends or a small get together at someone’s home, We want to remind drivers and passengers to be responsible while enjoying the festivities. Here are some tips to enjoying the holiday responsibly:

• Never drive or ride with someone who is impaired or drowsy.
• If you plan to consume alcohol, have a plan in place before you go. Know what you’ll do for a ride home, whether it is a ride service, public transportation, a designated driver or finding a place to stay. If you do consume alcohol:
• Give someone your keys.
• Don’t drink to impairment.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
• Take the night off and serve as a designated driver for others.
• Have an emergency kit in your vehicle and your phone charged in case of car trouble.

If you need help on a Kansas highway, call *47 for the Kansas Highway Patrol or call *KTA (*582) for the Kansas Turnpike Authority. 

Kansas law enforcement urges motorists to drive sober over holidays

Police target impaired drivers during national enforcement campaign

TOPEKA, Kan. — Law enforcement agencies across the nation are joining forces over the holidays to remind drivers it’s deadly, dangerous and illegal to drive under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol and some prescription drugs.

More than 150 Kansas law enforcement agencies will be extra vigilant to spot impaired drivers as part of the national enforcement campaign that runs Dec. 21-31.

“The period between Christmas and New Year’s Day is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road,” said Chris Bortz, Kansas Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Program Manager. “Too often while celebrating over the holidays impaired drivers get behind the wheel, and it’s never OK to drive impaired.”

In 2017, approximately 17 percent of crashes over the holiday week were alcohol-related. Drug-impaired driving has become a growing threat on roads across the nation. From 2007 to 2015, marijuana usage doubled among drivers killed in crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Kansas law enforcement want to remind drivers that if you drive drunk or high, you will get a DUI.

“Impaired driving causes injuries, physical and emotional, that can last a lifetime, and it’s a serious crime. Don’t take a risk with your future or somebody else’s – driving either drunk or high is a DUI,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King. “This holiday season designate a sober driver or use a ridesharing service to ensure everybody makes it home safely.”

Impaired drivers can face jail time, suspension of their driving privileges, fines and other costs of up to $10,000. Included in this cost, the offender will be required to install and pay monthly services fees on an ignition interlock. Beyond the financial and legal penalties, impaired drivers face the risk of losing their own lives or taking someone else’s.

If you plan on using any substance that inhibits your driving, plan ahead and designate a sober driver, Bortz said. Use public transportation, a taxi, ride share service or your community’s sober ride program to get home safely.

National teen driver safety week

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2016, teen driver deaths increased 6 percent from the previous year.

To raise awareness about six driving dangers, KDOT is participating in National Teen Driver Safety Week and would like to remind teen drivers:

Don’t drive while impaired: Although teens are too young to legally drink, they still are at risk for driving under the influence. Nearly one out of five teen drivers involved in crashes resulting in a fatality had been drinking, the NHTSA found When it comes to drinking and driving, it’s just not worth it.

Buckle up — every trip, every time. It doesn’t matter where in the vehicle you are sitting, everyone should wear their seat belts. It is one of the easiest ways for teens and their passengers to travel safer and buckling up saves lives. 

Ditch the distractions. Distracted driving is not only dangerous, it is deadly. That text message or social media post can wait. Your life is way too important to risk it. Remember that distracted driving can look like many different things – talking to other passengers, listening to music, turning up the heat or air conditioning and eating. These are just a few of the distractions that all drivers experience.

Go the speed limit. Speeding is a huge problem for drivers of any age., Almost one-third of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash were speeding, the NHTSA found.  Following the speed limit could mean the difference between life and death.

Passengers can affect how you drive. The likelihood of teens engaging in risky driving behaviors or being distracted increases with multiple passengers.  As the driver, you control the mood of your trip. Limit the number of passengers who ride with you or tell them how they can ride safely in your vehicle.

Driving drowsy is dangerous. Everyone is busy, even teens. With sports, studying for tests, extracurricular activities, jobs and even hanging out with loved ones, there is a lot going on in the lives of young drivers. With all these important tasks, the amount of sleep young motorists receive is far less than what is needed to drive safely. Remember to get a good night’s sleep before you get behind the wheel. Only drive when you are fully awake and alert. 

Parents, and guardians, it is up to all of us to teach the next generation the importance of driving safely. Lead by example and show your teens what safe driving behavior looks like.

For more information about National Teen Driver Safety Week please visit: www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving.

Arrive alive: Make the choice to drive responsibly

The turkey is cooking, the various dishes and desserts are set out on the table and awaiting the feast, which means it is Thanksgiving! Laughter from family and friends can be heard in millions of homes across America on this particular day. 

It’s one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, and for many, Thanksgiving is a time for celebration. But before anyone can gather around the table for food or fun, we all need to do one basic thing: arrive alive.  
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the day before Thanksgiving, or “Thanksgiving Eve,” has statistically become one of the deadliest days of the year on the roads. 
In the past five years, more than 800 people have been killed in drunk driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period. In 2016, one-third of all traffic fatalities during this time involved crashes related to drunk driving.

One crash related to drunk driving is too many. This year, make the choice to find another way to your destination:

• Call a friend or loved one to pick you up.
• Let someone else drive you home, use a rideshare program or call a taxi.
• Take advantage of public transportation.
• Wait until you are completely sober before getting behind the wheel. It is better to be safe than sorry. 

A grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation will pay for the extra overtime for law enforcement across the state of Kansas this week. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who are operating a vehicle while under the influence. This year, buckle up, obey the speed limit and drive responsibly. You and your family will be thankful you did.