It’s ludicrous to count on luck when it comes to your life and the lives of others.
As we get ready for the traditional New Year’s celebrations, don’t forget that point if you even consider getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
Statistics show that, on average, someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes. In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk-driving-related crashes — a decline of 9.8 percent from the 13,041 drunk-driving-related fatalities of 2007.
In West Virginia, an estimated 128 people died in traffic accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver (a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher) in 2008, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those deaths constitute approximately 34 percent of the 380 total traffic fatalities in the state last year.
The good news is that’s a decline from the 138 drunk-driving-related fatalities in West Virginia in 2007.
Police do all they can to stamp out this unnecessary carnage on our highways. The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that more than 1.46 million drivers were arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of one for every 139 licensed drivers in the country.
Locally, officers with the Fairmont Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Department and West Virginia State Police will be increasing patrols to help keep drivers safe and discourage motorists from getting behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
Of course, you might consider yourself lucky if you’re stopped by the police after drinking and driving.
Sure, if convicted, you’ll pay a hefty fine and spend some time behind bars. You’ll have your license suspended and, possibly, lose your job. Your insurance rates will skyrocket.
Still, consider yourself lucky. You didn’t kill or injure yourself or someone else. The pain of a DUI accident — whether it’s suffered by you, your friends and family, or others — will last a lifetime.
Young people should remember that West Virginia enforces the Zero Tolerance Law. That means if you’re younger than 21 and drive under the influence of any amount of alcohol, your driver’s license will be revoked.
With just a little common sense, the holiday celebrations can proceed without all the heartache driving under the influence can cause.
If you plan to drink while you’re out, use a designated driver. Someone in your group will be more than willing to volunteer; do something special to reward him or her or offer to return the favor at a later occasion.
Host a party and gather the keys. Have the guests spend the night and travel home safely the next day.
Know your limits. There’s a big difference between a beer or a glass of wine with dinner and a night of steady drinking.
Young people, don’t play hero if you make a mistake. Call a trusted friend or your parents. Some embarrassment or the pain of a lecture or grounding will pass rather quickly. The experience of an accident or an arrest won’t.
Enjoy your New Year’s celebration to the fullest — but with responsibility.
Driving after drinking — don’t even think about it.
Opinion
Don’t even think about driving after drinking alcohol
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