By Maren Ingram, Staff Writer
Drunk driving has become an extremely taboo subject, but in reality, it’s one of the most important conversations we can have as teenagers. Traditional spring events like prom and graduation often start conversations about drunk driving, and it’s crucial that we face the facts and realize how dangerous drinking and driving really is.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that almost 30 people die in drunk driving crashes every day in the U.S. That’s one person every 50 minutes. If this doesn’t make you stop and think for a second, I don’t know what will.
One of the biggest consequences associated with drinking and driving in society is a DUI or DWI – a criminal offense that stands for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. These citations can cost thousands of dollars, result in loss of license and stay on your record forever.
But the thing that needs to really be understood is the sheer danger involved in drunk driving, not only for the driver, but for the innocent people.
In 1980, Candy Lightner found out her 13-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver while on her way to a church carnival. The driver had an extensive list of previous arrests due to intoxication, and had been arrested for a hit-and-run drunk driving offense only a week earlier. In turn, Lightner began the organization MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).
Much like the driver who hit and killed Candy Lightner’s daughter, so many people have repeat DUIs. My biggest concern is the cyclical nature of DUIs. Why aren’t the consequences more severe so that drinking and driving is actually prevented?
The consequences that come with DUIs should be so strictly enforced that drivers who have a DUI on their record shouldn’t even think about drinking and driving again. They should learn the dangers of their mistake and how it was potentially deadly.
While I do agree with giving people second chances, those with multiple DUI offenses should face consequences based on their circumstance – whether that be jail time or loss of license for longer periods of time.
It is so easy for anyone, teenager or adult, to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks. But the reality is, alcohol impairs brain function. So that split-second decision to brake at a red light could be more deadly than it appears.
The consequences of drinking and driving still seem so unknown. The more awareness we spread about the subject, the more beneficial it will be for all of us in the future, especially teenagers.
It’s the little things, like trying out the drunk goggles in health class, or getting involved with our own club against drunk driving, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), that are critical. And it’s bigger things, too, really challenging things – like calling out a friend or classmate who’s had too much to drink and trying to stop them from driving home, or letting them know that just because they made it home safely last night doesn’t mean they should try it again.
More than 10,000 people on average die every year in the U.S. due to intoxicated drivers. That’s a terrifyingly high number. The decision to call an Uber or crash at a friend’s place instead of getting behind the wheel is vital, and potentially life-saving.
For more on this issue, read Cassie Honeycutt’s story on the Colington crash: https://www.nighthawknews.com//2020/04/10/fear-of-dwi-arrests-and-deadly-crashes-still-doesnt-stop-all-drunk-drivers/
Sophomore Maren Ingram can be reached at 22ingramma01@daretolearn.org.
