Laura's Corner

Driving under the influence

Posted by Laura Beyer on April 29, 2008

In reviewing recent events, it saddens me every time I hear a new story about a drunken driving accident. The most current comes regarding the loss of a pregnant woman and her 10 year old daughter. The man behind the wheel of the vehicle which struck and killed these three innocent victims had been charged at least twice prior. One cannot state the nature of what happened previously, but it brings to question the mindset of the one who causes the fatalities. Many times after such an occurrence, many people will discuss who, what where, when, why and how. We ask how in the world such a disaster can continue to occur when there are so many laws in place. Usually I am a fairly private person when it comes to my personal life. Yet, at this time, I feel the need at this time to allow others into a part of my life which is rarely spoken of. It is a known fact and has been dealt with for many years. I am a child of an alcoholic. After years of Al-Anon and recovery I can honestly say that I have come to a place of forgiveness and healing as well. The alcoholic in my life not only drank on a daily basis but drove as well while under the influence. During the latter years, the addiction took hold and my parent was actually pulled over by the police at least 3 times. The initial two times this person received a slap on the wrist and the third time served about a week in prison. This particular sentence was served about 16 years ago. Since that time, the laws have become more stringent and seem to be more effective. We ask why people continue to drink and drive. We worry about our own children obtaining their drivers license. At one time or another many of us can admit we may have had a bit too much to drink before we get behind the wheel. Maybe we are close to home, not willing to take a cab, or less inebriated than our friends. We take that chance. Why do we do this? The fact of the matter is that we know the truth behind drinking and driving. It kills people, destroys families and ruins everyone’s life. Millions of people go out on a regular basis. There is such a pressure to drink. I know when I go out for a night on the town, when I am driving, I make a different choice. I may have one drink, but afterwards, I have either water or soda. Not too complicated. Yet, if someone offers to buy me a beverage, and I say I just want a soda, the common response is, “That’s it? What are you drinking?” Better yet, the 2nd most common response is, “It’s early, you’ll be fine, have another.” Because I can stand my ground and I am sober, I am able to fight off those who are trying to push the issue. Yet, many folks are in denial and they will have another, and another and another. As the night goes on your common sense gets thrown out the window and you make the unconscious decision to drink and drive. There is so much pressure that many people would rather drink than look “weak” in front of their friends. We ask how we can prevent such tragedy. What is the next step in the process? How about we start with ourselves. Instead of looking in the newspaper, awaiting the next “funeral”, ensure that you will never be the man or woman behind the wheel of the guilty vehicle. If you feel that going out will be the beginning of a night of drinking, take a cab. If you have enough to drink, ensure you take enough for a cab ride home. Take a look at your group of friends. Is there not one person in your group who may agree to be the designated driver? If you feel that by going out you may experience pressure to drink, maybe it is time to re-evaluate your current group of associates. I am fortunate enough to say that I am surrounded by people who respect my decision to abstain from drinking. They understand a soda means a soda, and they encourage me to stay on the straight and narrow. Let’s do something, anything, to save lives. If saying no means you saved a pregnant mother and her daughter, then please say no. Making the decision to say no will ensure you and everyone you love one more day. If you are past the point of “no”, and know you are in need of assistance to break free from the need to consume alcohol, please obtain help and start sooner than later. Just like smoking, the sooner you quit the better. You will not only live a healthier and happier life, but will not live with the regret of lost lives and your life behind bars. Life can be lived to the fullest when sober. Do not look back on your life in your later years wishing you “could have”, because YOU CAN!!!! UNTIL NEXT TIME AMERICA!