Drunk Driving & The Issues Associated with Drinking & Driving By: Steven Parsons

What's the Issue with Drinking & Driving ? THE PROBLEM Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is totally preventable. Although the proportion of crashes that are alcohol- related has dropped dramatically in recent decades, there are still far too many preventable accidents. Unfortunately, in spite of great progress, alcohol-impaired driving remains a serious national problem that tragically effects many victims annually.

Contributing Factors Leading To Drinking & Driving  Poor planning.  Not having a designated/sober driver.  Uneducated about the facts, studies, consequences and the LAW.  Peer pressure to have a drink as part of a social get together.  Peer pressure to drive home after a social get together.  Peer pressure to pre-drink before driving to a special event/social greeting Drinking and driving is %100 preventable.

Where Does This Problem Occur ? Drinking & Driving has been a major concern in Canada for many years. In 2010, it was estimated that 2,541 individuals were killed in motor vehicle crashes in Canada. MADD Canada estimates that at a minimum 1,082 of these fatalities were impairment-related. All of which could have been prevented.

How Does Drinking & Drinking Affect Family and Relationships ?  Families who’ve lost loved ones from a drinking and driving accidents are devastated and may never function normally, having to cope with their losses.  A family member maybe shunned from their own family or face serious consequences for drinking and driving.  Drinking and Driving is illegal in Canada and its considered a criminal offence which could result in fines and imprisonment.  Drinking and Driving can ruin relationships with spouses and friends because its such a heinous crime.  year olds constituted 13.6% of the population in 2010, but made up almost 33.4 % of the alcohol- related traffic deaths. (MADD 2014) this statement proves young lives can forever be altered with one bad choice.

Important People Speaking Out on Drinking & Driving MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving Public Awareness Public Outreach and Awareness: Drunk Driving is a crime that can affect anyone from any walk of life. It is non – discriminatory, and so is MADD California. With such a highly diverse state, MADD California is dedicated to serving all victims of violent crime. We are also committed to educate anyone in the public about the dangers of drunk driving and what they can do help MADD achieve its mission. We need your help! Baseball is like driving, it's the one who gets home safely that counts. ~Tommy Lasorda If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt. ~Dean Martin The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it. ~Dudley Moo Automobiles are not ferocious.... it is man who is to be feared. ~Robbins B. Stoeckel The greater part of my official time is spent on investigating collisions between propelled vehicles, each on its own side of the road, each sounding its horn, and each stationary. ~An English Lord Chief Justice, quoted in 2,715 One-Line Quotations for Speakers, Writers & Raconteurs by Edward F. Murphy Education is important, but we're to the point where almost everyone knows they shouldn't drink and drive. The people who are still doing it are choosing to do it. The most effective way to deal with them is to arrest them. ~David Kelly, 2002

Catholic Social Teaching & Drinking and Driving I can relate this issue with the Principles of Respect for Human Life catholic social teaching Every stage of humans life is precious and worthy of our respect and protection. And the drunk drivers show no respect for life.

Why Does Drinking & Driving Occur?  Drinking and drinking occurs due to irresponsible drinkers who have poor judgment and planning skills.  When people have a drinks with company a few is socially acceptable, but when people exceed their limits and decide to drive afterwards, these individuals take advantage of the recourses available to them and put others lives at risk, not just there own.  Recourses Such As: Having a designated driver, Calling a friend/family member for a ride, taking the public transportation or calling a taxi to your destination.

Solutions for the Problem The Solution: There are many simple yet not so simple solutions to this problem. One way is to always have a designated driver. It is easiest to have a friend who is willing to make sure you get home just in case you are intoxicated. Another way is to order a taxi or any other type of transportation. It is always important to have a backup plan ready. Though it may seem foolish, it is much better than getting into a car accident that could potentially ruin lives. Government should also step up and make a change to how well the drinking age limit is being respected. They should make stricter regulations that frighten some drivers to drive carefully. If young drivers have a more consolidated reason to drive safely, they might actually do it. Reporting If you see a driver doing these things, report the car along with its description and location, to the police or local authorities. The driver may be ill or intoxicated and shouldn't be on the road.

Solutions for the Problem Raising Awareness: Many Drinking and Driving campaigns are spreading the word and raising awareness to the serious concern in communities around the world. Such as mothers against drunk driving.

My opinion of the problem/Solution Problem I believe drinking and drinking is an immature and irresponsible behavior, which can have major consequences resulting in death or injuries. This irresponsible behavior is %100 preventable and possess a serious threat to public safety. Individuals who choose to drink should know their limits and drink responsibly and never operate a motor vehicle while under the influence. Solution I believe drinking and driving is %100 preventable, here are a few of my own solutions: o Call a friend or family member for a ride. o Call a taxi or take the public transportation to your destination. o Have a decimated driver to drive to you and from your destination o Drink within your limits o Leave the keys to your vehicle at home or with a friend who is sober. o Drink with responsible drinkers.

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