Don't let drinking become dangerous: How to celebrate safely at the Indianapolis 500

Morgan Womack, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read
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It's not even noon and we've already seen Indy 500 fans chugging from gallon jugs (also known as BORGs) at the Speedway.

We know, the Indy 500 is just a big party. And we love it. But too much drinking can quickly become dangerous. Here are some tips to celebrate race day safely, from the Mayo Clinic.

Indianapolis 500 fun report: Tattoos, neon tops and a pair of jorts made for a gallon jug

Tips to prevent alcohol poisoning

Along with your favorite beer, make sure your cooler's got some food in it. Or make a pit stop one of the Speedway's dozens of concession stands.

Mayo Clinic says having some food in your stomach can slow the process of absorbing alcohol, to some extent. But make sure to drink in moderation.

Tips: Indianapolis 500 snacks and drinks to pack in your cooler to keep cool and avoid lines

Binge drinking is a major cause of alcohol poisoning. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's "when a male rapidly consumes five or more alcoholic drinks within two hours or a female consumes at least four drinks within two hours."

To avoid the dangers of alcohol poisoning, try to pace yourself. Drink in moderation and know your limits before partying too hard.

When can drinking become dangerous?

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can be confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, skin discoloration, low body temp and trouble staying conscious.

But you don't have to have all of these symptoms to be in danger.

If someone is passed out or can't wake up, they could die. Even if you don't pass out, a high dose of alcohol can also be fatal. Seek medical help right away.

More safety tips: From traffic to the Snake Pit, here's how Indy police prep for the 500 celebrations

If you see someone suffering from alcohol poisoning, here are tips from the Mayo Clinic:

  • Call 911 or seek medical help immediately.

  • Be prepared to give information on what the person drank.

  • Don't leave an unconscious person alone.

  • Help someone who is vomiting. Keep the person sitting up and awake. If they need to lie down, keep their head to the side.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 safety tips for celebrating, drinking responsibly