It’s that time again: back to college and university. Time for getting together with friends, fun nights out, and frosh week. There’s just one thing to remember: the risk of preventable injuries goes up when you’re drinking. As in, a lot.

Every year, people die from injuries related to alcohol. These deaths occur due to alcohol poisoning, drinking and driving, drinking and boating, falls, or burns that happen under the influence. In fact, in 2013, alcohol was a factor in about a quarter of all deaths due to injuries in the province.1

Here’s the thing: sometimes alcohol makes you take risks that are, well, stupid. Most of us have been in that situation where we realize we’re doing something we would never do if we were sober. That “one more” drink could be the one that leads to a serious injury for you or for a friend.

binge-drinking-image

That’s why Preventable partnered with BC Liquor to pass on a message to students to have fun, but stay safe. The message “Before you go shot for shot, have a word with yourself” appeared in stores throughout the province, especially those located on or near post-secondary campuses.

We’re not out to ruin the fun for students. It’s just that we think you can still have fun while being safe. We encourage students (and everyone else too) to go out and have a great time—just make sure you know when to say when.

 

Sources:

  1. BC Vital Statistics, Ministry of Health, BCIRPU Injury Data Online Tool, 2013.
  2. British Columbia. Office of the Provincial Health Officer Public health approach to alcohol policy: an updated report from the Provincial Health Officer, December 2008.