The following message was submitted to TLS by Lakewood Hatzolah.
Alcohol dulls the senses, slows reflexes, and reduces coordination. Often when people are impaired they think they are fine. If you plan on drinking, give your car keys to someone else before you even begin.
Friends and family: don’t let anyone drive drunk.
Parents: tell your kids to never ride in the car with someone who may have been drinking alcoholic beverages, no matter how inconvenienced they may be or how old the driver is. Speak to your kids about the danger of drinking alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol poisoning can result in serious permanent injury or even death C”V. If you think someone may be suffering from alcohol poisoning, do not put him or her into bed to “sleep it off.” Immediately call Hatzolah.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include: Confusion, inability to be awakened, vomiting while not awake, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, and pale or bluish skin color.
Please note: Alcohol can be deadly when combined with certain prescription medications. Please consult your doctor before Purim if you plan on drinking even a drop of alcohol.
Parents: supervise your children. Know where they are going, with whom, how they will get there and back, and what time.
Be extra careful to obey traffic regulations. Everyone is in a rush to get their Mishloach Manos done. Drive safely and watch out for kids running out between parked cars.
Being that we are constantly in and out of cars, we may be less careful about bucking up. Remember, make sure everyone is seat-belted – EVEN if driving a short distance.
Have a wonderful and safe Purim.
Thank you Hatzolah for your tips, may I add: REFLECTORS REFLECTORS REFLECTORS. going collecting wear them. They will help you be seen. Freilichen & Safe Purim to all
We need to educate our youth about the danger of alcohol. Today’s youth are always looking for alcohol to help them have “fun” and “a good time”. I am pretty sure Purim and the mitzvah to drink is just an excuse for them to over indulge in a very dangerous activity. The rebbeim and roshei yeshiva need to take a very unpopular stance and start talking about the dangers of drinking. I am pretty sure the parents are already doing so, but if the parents are saying no and the rebbeim are saying its okay, after all its purim, who do you think the kids will listen to?
..AND DAVEN TO HA-SHEM PLEASE