Last year alcohol contributed to 12,548 crashes and 470 deaths on Ohio’s roads, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. This included 79 alcohol-related crashes in Marion County. Across Ohio, more alcohol-related crashes happened in December than any other month of the year. In an effort to curb alcohol-related crashes this holiday season, AAA stores are holding events to encourage Ohioans to celebrate responsibly.
The Marion AAA Store will hold their third annual “First a Friend Then a Host” Holiday Mocktail Competition on Friday, December 13, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On the day of the competition, store associates will create non-alcoholic cocktails, or mocktails. Community members are invited to come in, sample these mocktails and vote on their favorite.
The Marion AAA Store is located at 1316 Mount Vernon Avenue, Marion
Planned mocktails include Frosty Winter Surprise and Warm Cinnamon-Orange Cider.
Recipes for these mocktails will be available for people to take and use at their holiday gatherings. Guests can also pick up the free 2013 “First a Friend, Then a Host Recipe Book,” which includes winning recipes from 2012 Holiday Mocktail Competitions.
This is one of 22 Holiday Mocktail Competitions that will take place at AAA stores throughout the state during December. These competitions are designed to generate conversation about drunk driving and encourage the community to incorporate non-alcoholic fun into their holiday celebrations.
In addition, AAA offers several tips to keep motorists and others safe this holiday season:
- Plan ahead – Choose a designated non-drinking driver before any holiday celebration.
- Don’t drink and drive – NEVER get behind the wheel of a car when you’ve been drinking.
- Be a real friend – Don’t let friends and family drive drunk.
- Host responsibly – Remind guests to stay safe and offer non-alcoholic beverages.
AAA clubs can be visited online at AAA.com.
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