Tips before getting tipsy on New Year’s

Bringing in the New Year means celebrating with friends and family, but also taking precautions if you’ll be out drinking. Dr. Victor Gong from 75th Street Medical Center in Ocean City says it’s important to know how fast your body absorbs alcohol and that varies between men and women.

“There is an enzyme that men have that helps metabolize alcohol faster that women don’t have.  Women generally have more body f at than men and therefore it also increases the absorption of the alcohol,” says Dr. Gong.

Dr. Gong tells us the best thing to do if you’ll be drinking is to look out for the people you’re with.

Lieutenant Tim Robinson, from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office recommends having a designated driver. If you will be drinking, you  should avoid driving at all costs.

“Supposed you get in a accident. Suppose you kill somebody that’s even worse. The ramifications for drinking and driving are huge, says Lt. Robinson.

If caught, a first time offender caught can face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and for repeated offenders the penalties are even higher. Lt. Robinson put me through a typical sobriety test using  alcohol goggles that resembles the view of a person with a blood alcohol content of  .12.

Although this is a higher level of blood alcohol content Lt. Robinson reminds us that drinking while buzzed is still drunk driving and you can get arrested.