In the Driver’s Seat

Live while you can. Drink and drive; it’ll be fine. You only live once. Maybe those sayings are thoughts a stranger had one Monday afternoon. Did he know what events were to occur in the next 24 hours? I often find myself drifting off, reminiscing about what used to be. Other times, I wonder if the millions of decisions I make in one day—one hour, one minute, even—could one day end up the way they ended for the stranger I knew nothing about. On Monday, October 19th, I learned that it matters what I do.

It matters. The decisions I make when I wake up matter. The choices I make before I lay my head on my pillow matter too. I never could have predicted feeling the way I did that day. The consequences of a stranger’s actions caused so much hurt. They caused so much overwhelming grief. To the human mind, I never understood how substantially our actions can affect others. Why could something so minimal bring such great sadness?

One day, an integrity-filled man got into his car, and the rest of his life would disappear. It was a Monday afternoon when my physical education teacher packed up his things for the day, hopped in his Jeep for the last time in his life, and started out to head home. The events leading up to them were devastating. The stranger was driving drunk. Did he think about his actions? Did he think that it could ever lead to the outcome that it did?

Why do we underestimate the power of substance? Harvey McKay once said, “Life is too short to wake up with regrets.” One action led to the death of an amazing person. Someone filled with so much life, so much love, and so much care was now gone. I will never understand why great people get taken from us humans. But one thing I will never second-guess is that it matters what I do. Forever, until I die, I will think, think, and overthink about every action I take. I will not drink and drive. I will try my hardest to help others who could potentially fall into the trap of drinking and driving.

I will do my part in preventing drunk driving. By choosing not to drink and drive, I have made a positive impact on the safety of myself and others. I can continue to do my part, and so can others. Being responsible can be beneficial in a variety of ways. If others plan on drinking, we can make a plan in advance for a sober ride home. This could be a designated driver, public transportation, or calling someone to come get you. I can also offer alternatives. If I’m going out with friends and know they’ll be drinking, I will offer to be the designated driver or help them arrange a safe ride home. It’s always helpful to encourage them to make responsible choices. Educating myself on the dangers of drunk driving and the consequences it can have can lead to preventing tragedies like the one I experienced. Understanding the risks can reinforce the commitment to not drink and drive.

I can use my personal experience for good. I can be a role model; my actions can inspire others. By consistently choosing not to drink and drive, I am setting a positive example for friends and peers. And those like me who just started driving or will soon be driving can inform others on this topic. According to the NHTSA, 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes every day. In 2021, 13,384 people died from alcohol-impaired traffic deaths. Bring awareness to the lives that ended so abruptly. Spread the word. Share information about the importance of not drinking and driving with your friends and family. Use your social media platforms and even your own voice to raise awareness and encourage responsible behavior.

Remember, even if you’ve only had a little to drink, it’s always safer to find an alternate way home. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others. Remember, what you do matters. Save the lives of innocent people. It will never be worth it to drink and drive, no matter how much confidence the driver has in themselves. I am filled with gratitude to be able to have the memories of such a joyful, motivated man. Do your part, and never underestimate the power of alcohol. Mr. Ingles will never get to experience life again, the most valuable gift in the world. But we can bring life back into the community by bringing awareness to drunk driving victims.