Washington, DC —  In an effort to help prevent alcohol related traffic fatalities during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and all year long, The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by America’s leading distillers and committed to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, encouraged Americans to make responsible decisions about alcohol this Independence Day weekend by promoting a high-tech tool that educates adults about how alcohol affects their individual blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Thirty-nine percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide last year were alcohol-related. Yet during last year’s Fourth of July holiday, alcohol-related traffic fatalities accounted for 48% of the total number of traffic fatalities during the holiday weekend, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“In advance of the Fourth of July holiday, a time when drunk driving incidents escalate, I encourage Americans to join The Council’s efforts to fight drunk driving,” said Susan Molinari, Chairman of The Century Council. “Please visit our website, www.b4udrink.org, to learn more about how alcohol affects your blood alcohol concentration and encourage your friends to do the same. Please help us save lives this Independence Day.”

A survey commissioned by The Council revealed that 72% of adults do not know the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving in their own state. The Council encourages adults who choose to drink alcohol to visit the Blood Alcohol Educator at www.b4udrink.org to learn how alcohol affects their individual BAC level. Available in English and Spanish, the program estimates a user’s BAC level based on their sex, weight and the type and number of drinks consumed at the programs “virtual bar.” In addition to reflecting a person’s individual BAC level, the program includes a virtual clock that demonstrates how fast an individual’s BAC level rises well as how long it takes it to return to .00.

For more information, visit www.b4udrink.org.