The Cost of Drunk Driving

1. Holiday Safety Overview The Cost of Drunk Driving Just for Starters Bail: $500-$3000 Towing: $500-$1,500* Auto Insurance: $4,500 + (for 3 to 5 yrs or more) Legal Fees: $2,000 – $25,000 License Fees: $100 -$300 Fines: $300 – $2,500 depending on circumstances Alcohol Evaluation: $200 depending on state law. Alcohol Education: $350 - $2,500 for DUI School Having an ignition interlock device installed. Probation. * 27 states charge DUI impoundment fees that can range from $500 to $1,500 or more. If you can't afford to get your car after 30 days, the city may auction it and come after you with a civil judgment for the impoundment bill, if the car's sale didn't cover the fees. Don’t drink and drive. There are many less costly alternatives, such as designated drivers, taxis, and command safe-ride cards.

2. Driving Safely An ordinary driver reacts to road situations; a good driver anticipates a crisis and avoids it. The #1 source of driver inattention is the use of a wireless device. Everything you do while driving in inclement weather conditions will affect how your vehicle handles. Wear your seat belt, move slowly, turn slowly, brake slowly. Most winter driving errors are caused by speeding. Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped, slow down, leave plenty of room between vehicles and focus on driving.

3. FireSafety Fire kills more people in the U.S. than all natural disasters combined. The U. S. has the eighth highest fire death rate of the top 25 industrialized nations. In 2009, fires claimed 8 lives a day. Check and maintain your smoke detectors—make your home fire safe and aware. Portable or fixed space heaters and wood stoves are involved in more fires than central heating. Fire deaths due to smoke inhalation outnumber deaths due to burns. A home can fill with thick, black smoke in minutes. Escape first, then call for help. Discuss and practice your escape plan. Get out and stay out. The heat from a fire can scorch your lungs and melt clothes to skin. Breathing even small amounts of smoke can be fatal.

4. Home Safety Heaters , stoves and ovens are the greatest cause of residential structure fires during winter holidays. Distractions in the kitchen can unexpectedly become deadly fire hazards. Minimize clutter and combustibles near the stove. Check wiring of all decorations/displays for fraying and wear. Never leave cooking food unattended, for any reason. If you have to leave, turn off the heat. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Have your central heat unit checked for proper operation.

5. Protecting Your Pets Pets can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines. Trees provide a great temptation for cats to climb and dogs to chew on, so holiday trees should be secured to prevent accidents. Turkey and chicken bones can be a tempting for dogs but can splinter and penetrate their digestive tracts. Don’t give chocolate to dogs. It contains theobromine, which can over-stimulate a dog’s heart, especially small dogs, and can be fatal. Some pets like to chew on electrical cords and play with ornaments. Hang them out of pets’ reach. Ingestion of ornaments, glass, ribbons and bows can lead to serious medical emergencies. Poinsettias are not poisonous, but their sap is an irritant and can make an animal hyper-salivate, paw at the head and mouth, and vomit if ingested.

6. Avoiding Stress Tension and stress increase during the holidays. Family misunderstandings deepen. The holidays can be physically & emotionally draining. People who die by suicide usually talk about it first. Always take talk about suicide seriously. Plan ahead and set aside specific days for events and for yourself. Most people who are suicidal do not want to die; they just want to stop their pain. Recognize depression is a crisis and intervening can help the person reverse the downward trend of suicidal thoughts. Suicide can be prevented through education and public awareness. The first step is getting help. Suicide can strike anyone and is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24. Ease up on perfection. Traditions can change and grow as families do. Accept change and let go once in a while. Set your differences aside.Enjoy the spirit of the holidays and time spent with family and friends. Keep the Holiday experience in its perspective.

7. Crime Prevention According to the National Crime Prevention Council, 1 out of 10 homes will be burglarized this year. Don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know and don’t advertise departures. Make sure porches, entrances, and yards are well-lit. Holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and/or doors of your home. Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. Don’t advertise new electronics or other valuables by putting the boxes out on the curb for the garbage collectors. Break them down and fold them to where the words are on the inside. Lock doors and windows when you leave your home, even for a few minutes. Keep them locked while you are home.

8. Holiday Safety Checklist

9. When faced with an emergency, stay calm. As long as you think clearly, you'll be in control of the situation. Remember, you are your best protection. The End Thanks to the Naval Air Station Pensacola safety office for sharing this presentation