41 percent of road deaths alcohol-related

DETROIT, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The Michigan Food and Beverage Association reminded party-goers about 18,000 people died in U.S. alcohol-related crashes in 2006 -- so don't drink and drive.

Proprietors of taverns, restaurants, party stores, supermarkets and convenience stores in Michigan are emphasizing "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk" and that party-goers should be responsible, the association said.

"This campaign is a community service of our industry," Ed Deeb, MFBA president, said in a statement. "Our members and industry want to save lives and give their customers a happy and safe holiday season. The holidays are a time for family get-togethers, bright lights and parties. It should not be a time of tragedy and sadness because of a drunken driver."

In 2005, of the 8,524 passenger vehicle drivers ages 18 to 34 killed in automobile crashes, 49 percent had a blood alcohol level of 0.01 percent or higher, 5 percent had a blood alcohol level of 0.01 percent to 0.07 percent, and 44 percent had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported.