Can Alternative Transportation Reduce our Drunkest City Ranking?

Inez Mosier, The San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Men’s Health Magazine recently published their list of the drunkest and least drunk cities in the nation.  San Antonio and 3 other Texan cities rank in the top 10. The list was compiled based “upon such data as death rates from alcoholic liver disease, booze-fueled car crashes, frequency of binge-drinking in the past month, number of DUI arrests, and severity of DUI penalties.”  Considering our ranking, one major reason stood out to me.  The city of San Antonio hosts countless festivals throughout the year, celebrating different cultures and causes; celebrations that make this city great and lend to a booming tourist population.  However, most of these festivals are alcohol-centered and lack effective alternative transportation plans, which increase incidences of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities.

Providing alternative transportation for Fiesta, in particular, is a goal of the Circles of San Antonio Community Coalition (COSA), who’s mission is to reduce alcohol-related incidences.  Hundreds of thousands San Antonians will attend this year’s festivities and most likely have a drink, or two, or three in the process. COSA is currently working with various prevention and transportation agencies in the community to develop a safety plan for Fiesta goers. 

Plan Ahead is the message.  COSA and its partners want patrons to designate sober drivers ahead of time, seek alternative transportation to and from the events and pledge not to drink and drive.  With the help of the community, vendors involved and all patrons attending this event we can continue to enjoy the traditions that make this city great while also reflecting an attitude of responsibility and prevention.  Learn more by contacting coalition@sacada.org.

Source: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/02/fresno-calif--tops-list-of-drunkest-us-cities-boston-is-last/1