The horrific effects of drunk driving were recently showcased after four people were killed, and more than forty injured, as a driver who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol drove through a large crowd at Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Driving drunk and the effects it produces, is a continuing issue that affects the lives of people all over the United States, regardless of backgrounds or age. It is not only dangerous to the driver, it endangers the countless lives of other people on the road.

According to the Center for Disease Control, accidents that involve drunk driving take the lives of thirty people each day-an alarming fact that should be of extreme concern. The most disturbing fact is that the tragedy could often have been avoided, if someone had made the correct decision to either refrain from driving after having a few drinks, or having a designated driver in place.

A challenging aspects of this problem is that it can be very difficult to not only restrict the amount of alcohol people drink, but it may also be daunting to change attitudes about driving after drinking. It is important to remember that before stepping into a car with the intention to drive after drinking that driving drunk is not a victimless crime. Someone could be injured or killed, possibly the impaired driver, but also, tragically, an innocent motorist or pedestrian could be the one harmed.

This tragedy can be completely avoided if one chooses not to drive after engaging in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is important one makes the correct decision on behalf of their own and other’s personal safety.

One must be empathetic, and realize how they would feel if they had a loved one’s life taken by an impaired driver. So if you are debating whether or not to drive home after having a couple of drinks, remember this.

Drunk driving also endangers the lives of firefighters, paramedics, and police officers who risk their lives to save others every day. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, drunk drivers are actually attracted to bright flashing lights of responding emergency vehicles when impaired by alcohol.
Bottom line: why put both yourself and others at significant risk while driving impaired under the influence of alcohol? Keep in mind, your decision to drink and drive will ultimately not only impact yourself, but likely the lives of others as well.