During the Christmas and New Year period, the average number of fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver rose 34%. On New Year’s Eve, 40% of vehicle-related deaths had a drunk driver involved. According to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, that’s an average of 54 on New Year’s Eve.
So how can you be safe tonight?
First off, DO NOT drink and drive. It seems like simple logic, but, it is easy to fall victim to peer pressure. 20 million upperclassmen high school students in America were surveyed, and half of them reported drinking on a monthly basis. Of those, 66% said they did it because the people around them did it (i.e. peer pressure.)
Alcohol is known to increase the effects of the inhibitory transmitter Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that dampens responses. This causes the sluggish movements and impaired speech that alcohol is known for. Driving while your movements are apathetic is extremely dangerous for yourself and for others.
If you are planning on drinking tonight, call an Uber, Lyft, taxi or other ride service to take you to where you’re going and back home (see the end of this article for more info) Or if you are going to a friend’s house, stay there overnight if you do not think you can safely drive.
Be conscientious of your actions and BE RESPONSIBLE. Not only are you taking your life in your hands by driving intoxicated, but you are taking everyone else’s in your car and on the road. Like the poem “Death of an Innocent” spotlights, you could be the reason someone dies, all because you were drunk and driving.
Call AAA for a free ride tonight at 1 (818) 471-9398
Use Uber code: “uberFREENEWYEARS” for a free ride.
You can also find people who have promotional codes on social media that can give you major discounts for Uber and Lyft.
Stay safe.
Death of an Innocent by Anonymous
I went to a party, Mom,
I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom,
So I drank soda instead.
I really felt proud inside, Mom,
The way you said I would.
I didn’t drink and drive, Mom,
Even though the others said I should.
I know I did the right thing, Mom,
I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom,
As everyone is driving out of sight.
As I got into my car, Mom,
I knew I’d get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me,
So responsible and sweet.
I started to drive away, Mom,
But as I pulled out into the road,
The other car didn’t see me, Mom,
And hit me like a load.
As I lay there on the pavement, Mom,
I hear the policeman say,
“The other guy is drunk,” Mom,
And now I’m the one who will pay.
I’m lying here dying, Mom….
I wish you’d get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom?
My life just burst like a balloon.
There is blood all around me, Mom,
And most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom,
I’ll die in a short time.
I just wanted to tell you, Mom,
I swear I didn’t drink.
It was the others, Mom.
The others didn’t think.
He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank
And I will die.
Why do people drink, Mom?
It can ruin your whole life.
I’m feeling sharp pains now.
Pains just like a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,
And I don’t think it’s fair.
I’m lying here dying
And all he can do is stare.
Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.
Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom,
Put “Daddy’s Girl” on my grave.
Someone should have told him, Mom,
Not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom,
I would still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom.
I’m becoming very scared.
Please don’t cry for me, Mom.
When I needed you,
you were always there.
I have one last question, Mom.
Before I say good bye.
I didn’t drink and drive,
So why am I the one to die?
