Alcohol + Driving = A Dead End

Drinking is a right for anyone at least twenty-one years old, but driving under the influence is not a right. It has detrimental consequences for the perpetrator and victims—pedestrians, other drivers, and auto insurance companies. Drunk driving is one of the most common paths to car accidents. To minimize deaths, the government should enforce laws that require general alcohol education, make changes to vehicles and roads, and apply severe restrictions after offenses. The public should follow the rules and encourage others to do the same.

First, everyone must acquire alcohol education. Drivers drink partially due to misbeliefs such as drinking coffee, taking cold showers, vomiting, and getting slapped to sober up (Osburn 2019). up. None reduces one’s blood alcohol concentration, and the last option is unnecessarily painful. Also, alcohol is a “central nervous system depressant” that “slows reflexes and speech” (Godman and Levine 2019). Reflexes are necessary for driving to prevent collisions. Overconfidence allows criminals to believe they can escape legal charges. They are not concerned about physical consequences. Each state should provide alcohol education at driving schools, K-12 schools, colleges/universities, and new and separate academies. Comprehensive training will inform society about the dangers of impaired driving and eliminate excuses for nonexistent ignorance.

Next, adjustments to vehicles and roads will increase road safety. Everyday “almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes” (NHTSA 2020). There are about 11,000 related deaths per year. Accident rates would drastically reduce if each vehicle had an ignition interlock device. This breathalyzer estimates your blood alcohol concentration before deciding whether or not you can operate the car. It would be almost impossible for someone with a particular BAC to drive. Though alcohol-impaired individuals are barely aware of their surroundings, modifications to the road can assist others. Regardless of turning on “high-beam headlights”, at night, “visibility is limited to about 500 feet”, reducing reaction time (NSC n.d.). Improved street lighting can aid commuters’ eyes. Wider roads will provide space for passersby to escape likely accidents. Alterations maintain physical barriers to accidents.

Lastly, restrictions should apply after offenses. Whoever manages to drunk drive despite the knowledge and physical barriers, truly deserves punishment. Punishments include automatic license plate confiscation, vehicle impoundment, increased jail or prison time, and license revocation or suspension. These penalties are to make the criminals contemplate before repeating the same mistake.

I have never been involved in a car accident, but I know someone who has, due to bad luck. I pledge never to drive while intoxicated. I will also report risky drivers and educate others. When I come across an intoxicated person I know, I will offer them a ride home. If they ignore me and decline my offer, I will seize their keys and call the police. Since they do not care about their life, I will not allow them to ruin or take other people’s lives. I prefer the term “intentional collision” and not “car accident” for irresponsible drivers. Heads up, not drink up!

Bibliography

Osborn, Corinne O’Keefe. “How to Sober Up: Fast, in the Morning, and Before Bed.” Healthline. Healthline Media, June 30, 2051. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-sober-up.

Godman, Heidi, and David Levine. “How Alcohol Affects Your Brain.” U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report, June 7, 2019. https://health.usnews.com/conditions/mental-health/depression/articles/is-alcohol-a-depressant.

NHTSA. “Drunk Driving.” NHTSA, January 17, 2020. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

NSC. “On The Road.” Driving at Night. National Safety Council. Accessed July 3, 2020. https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/night-driving.

Fadd. “Fathers Against Drunk Driving.” Accessed June 30, 2020. http://www.faddintl.org/nationalstats.html.