AAA Warns USC Residents Against DUI on New Year's Eve

The auto club has some sobering statistics for you to think about before drinking and driving.

If you plan to party on New Year's Eve, AAA has some sobering statistics for you to think about before drinking and driving. Compared to all other days in 2012, New Year's Day had the highest percentage of deaths that occurred in crashes with a driver who had a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher, according to AAA spokesperson Bevi Powell. AAA statistics show that 122 people were killed in crashes on New Year's Day 2012, and a little more than half of those crashes involved a drunk driver. "If you plan to drink, absolutely don't drive," Powell said. "If you plan to drink, make sure to bring a friend who can drive you home." Powell also cautioned against anyone getting into a car with a driver who has been drinking. If you're hosting a New…

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Roger

7:17 am on Monday, December 31, 2012

I don't understand it either, Oren. 122 killed a year ago on New Year's Day. That is about four times those killed in CT recently, an event that caused national conversation and outrage. But, after the 122 killed, ho-hum, .... Education clearly isn't the issue. Who does not know about the dangers? Choosing to drive while drunk is the epitome of selfishness -- doing what I want to do for myself, …   more ›

Don’t Let a Flying Champagne Cork Spoil Your New Year’s Eve

'You'll shoot your eye out,' wasn't just a concern in 'A Christmas Story.'

A champagne toast is a great way to welcome 2013, but be mindful as you uncork the bottle: warm bottles of champagne and improper cork-removal techniques cause serious, potentially blinding eye injuries each year. The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that champagne bottles contain pressure as high as 90 pounds per square inch, which is more than the pressure found inside a typical car tire. This pressure can launch a champagne cork at 50 miles per hour as it leaves the bottle, which is fast enough to shatter glass. Unfortunately, this is also fast enough to permanently damage vision. Champagne cork mishaps can lead to a variety of serious eye injuries, including rupture of the eye wall, acute glaucoma, retinal detachment, ocular …

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Recipe of the Week

Delicious Drinks for New Year's Eve

Here are some fun drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—to enjoy responsibly on New Year's Eve.

What would New Year's Eve be without all the fun food and drinks? Here are a few recipes for drinks to enjoy on New Year's Eve. And remember, if you choose an alcoholic drink, we at Patch want you to designate a driver and enjoy it responsibly! With Alcohol Editor's note: Last year, Clique Vodka provided Patch readers with holiday cocktail recipes. Here's a recipe they shared on KDKA's Pittsburgh Today Live: Spiced Cosmo Shake all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker, and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish by removing the rind from an orange slice and twisting it into a spiral over top of the cocktail so that the spray of oil fall into the glass. Then take the rind and rub it around the outer rim and place on the lip. For more of …

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