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closeImagine if these headlines screamed out at you tomorrow: “13,500 American troops killed last year in the war on terror!” What would you feel? What would you do?
Would you be angry and want to blame somebody? President Bush? Terrorists? Would you write your Congressman? Would you take to the streets and protest? Would you question how this enormous tragedy could occur to the most educated, best-trained fighting force in the world?
Doing the math
Well, 13,500 American troops did not die in the war on terror last year. This is how many ordinary Americans died needlessly on American roadways last year.
I say needlessly because they died in alcohol-related accidents, not protecting the American ideals of freedom and democracy.
It is a tragedy for trained soldiers to be killed fighting for their country and the principles they believe in. It is sheer stupidity for young drivers, trained and prepared for life by parents, educators, media and law enforcement, to be killed while driving drunk.
A disturbing trend
Drunk driving arrests are way up this year. Whether it is because of the poor economy, more aggressive DUI patrols or a combination of both, it is a disturbing and depressing trend.
As we approach Labor Day weekend, remember that it requires diligence on the part off all drivers to maintain safety on theroadways— knowing that drunk and impaired drivers are there among us.
It is not “snitching” if you report a drunk driver. It is not “uncool” to take the keys away from someone who is going to drive having had alcohol. It is totally cool to admit you’ve been drinking and call your parents for a ride home or a sober friend to drive you where you need to go. Death is permanent. Killing your friends, your family or someone else or their relatives results in a lifetime of pain, guilt and sorrow.
Andrew Kenny is with the SLO County DUI Task Force.
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