Drunk Driving

Warnings about not drinking and driving are everywhere. All types of publications try to do their best to keep the topic in drivers’ minds. Yet, drunk driving still happens, and the people who suffer the consequences go beyond just the driver.

Drunk driving accounts for one of the most dangerous accidents on the road.

According to an article from the American Automobile Association, “Steer clear of alcohol and drugs when driving,” by AAA staff, “Alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the most significant dangers on our roadways — Impaired driving not only endangers drivers and their passengers, but also other vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians.”

When all these individuals are aware and worried about drunk driving, it is very disappointing to see people continuing to make the choice to participate. Other people should not be suffering the consequences of one individual’s irresponsible actions. The people who are in danger are often young people who have their whole lives ahead of them.

When someone is under the influence of alcohol of any kind and any amount, they should never be behind the wheel. There is a reason that it is illegal to drink and drive. Thousands of lives are lost due to drunk driving every year. All actions have consequences, and it is very sad that despite the strong campaign against it, people die every day from drunk driving accidents.

According to an article on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, “Alcohol-impaired driving,” by the U.S. Department of Transportation (April), “Drunk driving account for over 10,000 deaths a year.”

That is an extremely large number for something that is so easily preventable. It is unthinkable that in just one year so many lives could be taken away due to drunk driving. More people should think twice before getting behind a wheel while under the influence, as they are putting not only their own lives at risk, but the lives of many others. Knowing the consequences of drinking and driving can help prevent the amount of people who participate. Being educated on a topic could just save a life.

According to an article on the Rate Force website, “DUI (drinking under the influence) consequences and penalties: Everything about DUI,” by Randy Luton (Nov. 23), “A DUI can be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on different factors. DUI consequences include arrest, jail time, and higher insurance rates.”

None of these consequences are helpful factors so drunk driving only has a negative effect. Driving under the influence is not worth the consequences that come with it. It is disappointing to see something continuously occur when they are warned about all the different consequences.

Today, modern technology provides many ways for someone to get home safely without drunk driving. The most common way is a Uber or a cab.

According to an article on the Axle Addict website, “How to get home from a party safely if you’re too drunk to drive”, by Liz Ellias (June 6), “You can either call a cab at the start of the evening, and another to go home, or you can leave your car locked up where you parked and call a cab to get home. All you must do is plan to pick up your car the following day.”

When there are resources being provided to prevent drunk driving, it should not be happening. Planning before partying or drinking is a good thing to do. Laws make it so easy to not want to drink and drive.

It is easy to not drink and drive. Just don’t. Say no to drunk driving to save a life. It could be your’s.