According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two in three people will be involved in a drunk driving accident. When a person drives while intoxicated, there are many risks that are being taken. Not only is the drunk driver putting themselves in danger, they are putting those around them in danger. As a person consumes alcohol, their judgment, concentration, and hand-eye coordination are affected; therefore, inhibiting the person’s ability to drive. Drinking while driving is bad, but buzzed driving is just as detrimental.
In my hometown of Lexington, South Carolina, a family of 6 was involved in an accident with a drunk driver on New Year’s Day, 2012. The Longstreets six-year-old daughter, Emma, was killed in the car accident. This took a major toll on our community; many members of the community helped the Longstreet Family by delivering homecooked meals during their time of recovery. After Emma’s death, David and Karen Longstreet pushed their hardest to improve South Carolina’s DUI laws. After 2 years of hard work, the legislature and Governor Nikki Haley passed, “Emma’s Law’. This law implemented new penalties for certain DUI offenses. This is just one example of how intoxicated driving can affect a family, a community, and someone’s life.
Not only is drunk driving dangerous, driving while drowsy is just as life threatening. Many adults confess to driving while sleepy; some even confess to falling asleep at the wheel. When someone drives while tired, they are not as alert. Therefore, they do not pay close attention to their surroundings. For example, my cousin fell asleep at the wheel and ran into a tree. As he ran into the tree, he died on impact. My aunt still grieves over his death to this day. If you are on the cusp of falling asleep while driving, then pullover into a gas station, rest area or parking lot. By pulling over, one can protect themselves and others from the grim reaper.
Driving while intoxicated, tired, or hungover can affect the persons ability to drive heavily. As a citizen of this world, please make the right decision. Do not drive while drunk, buzzed or hungover and pullover when you are too tired to drive. When you make the right decision, you can prevent fatal car accidents, injuries, and deaths.
By: Bethany Wise
