Drunk Driving: Not Cool

“Don’t drink and drive.” Today, there are hundreds of programs putting in their work to spread this message. Despite our society’s intense network supporting this message, it still escapes us that drunk driving is among the leading causes of automobile accidents. Currently, there are a few different options on how to get home safely while intoxicated that are commonplace in the United States.

Firstly, one can call a loved one or friend to pick them up, whether it be from a bar, party, or restaurant. This method takes the driving risks out of the picture, as the person called has some sort of personal connection with the person in need, and will see to their safety. However, this option has many flaws. For one, these trusted individuals might not be available at that time, place, or region. Among other reasons, shame plays a big factor in the avoidance of this tactic as well. Whether it be a successful adult or a growing teenager, there is a level of pride that must be swallowed to ask someone for help. Oftentimes, they worry that the person they call will be unhappy and decide to drive intoxicated.

Another option lies in the various transportation methods offered by private companies. One can follow the saying “catch a cab”, or now more popularly, one can use a ride-sharing app such as Lyft or Uber. These services can deliver a person safely from one point to their home with a single call. However, this method is very pricy and many feel as though it is a better option to risk it rather than paying such a fee.

Alcohol causes many different effects, some of which attribute to the main reason people drink drive. For one, alcohol increases a person’s relaxation and confidence. This causes them to believe that they are not as drunk as they believe and are able to make the drive home safely. Additionally, drinking causes impaired judgment and poor decision-making, which attributes to their decision to drive intoxicated.

There are many different paths to take in attempting to solve this issue. This issue has continued to plague road safety, and I believe that more should be done to halt this preventable issue. One path that I find particularly effective would be to increase the outreach and frequency of school-based instructional programs. These programs can help instill the magnitude and gravity of this situation and allow them to build a foundation to make the right choices when they are faced with this dilemma. During these, the importance of safety over pride or esteem could be emphasized. Additionally, some schools utilize a mock crash to deter students from drinking and driving, as the top cause of deaths for U.S. teenagers is from vehicle accidents. I believe there should be more sponsorship and support for these types of events to assist their availability to impact this age range, which will in turn impact the future.