Alcohol is to blame for about 1/3 of traffic deaths

Drinking and driving is always the wrong choice. You may think you're OK to drive, but here's why you shouldn't:

Driving requires alertness.

You need all of your faculties to properly operate a car, truck or motorcycle. Your mind and body constantly are processing real-time information from traffic signs and signals, road conditions, other vehicles and pedestrians.

It doesn't take much.

Even just a little alcohol can adversely affect your judgment and your response time. Steering, braking and changing lanes become sloppy.

You might be at high risk.

People under age 45, motorcyclists and those with a history of driving while impaired all are the most likely to be involved in alcohol-related incidents.

If you plan to drink, then select a designated driver beforehand. If you hadn't expected to drink but do, don't drive. Ask a sober friend to drive, take a cab or mass transit, or stay overnight where you are. Never ride with a driver who has been drinking. And when you're at the wheel (sober), look out for drivers who may be drunk: Keep a safe distance from vehicles operating erratically, and always wear your seat belt.