Hi,

It’s a simple message, but one that is too often ignored. Our society focuses a lot of attention on educating young people on the importance of not drinking and driving, but drivers of all ages are susceptible to doing it. Regardless of who you are; if you drink and drive you risk arrest, personal injury or even death, to yourself and others on the roadway.

There’s a compelling story behind every DUI/DWI-related casualty. Tasha Elliott was the principal of an elementary school. She and her husband loaded their two children into their vehicle after having too much to drink and died when they left the roadway and submerged in a pond.

As was mentioned in a previous blog post and follow-up comments by Kenneth Speegle, the Elliott crash killed a family of four. The possibility of dying probably never entered their minds that evening. As parents they wouldn’t intentionally harm their children. Yet, they’re statistics because they chose to drive after drinking.

As an educator with a life-long commitment to children Mrs. Elliott knew better than to drink and drive or to ride with an impaired driver. Nobody knows who was driving the family car, but both of the Elliott’s were exceeding the legal intoxication threshold. It proves the point that alcohol impairs judgment.

This is a teaching moment for all of us. This couple had a lapse in judgment that had horrifying consequences. It doesn’t mean they were evil people. But it drives home the importance of adhering to the wisdom of thinking ahead. The best time to decide not to drink and drive is before taking that first sip. If you haven’t worked out the details on how you’re going to get home, don’t drink at all.

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has an alcohol awareness safety campaign. It’s message, “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving”, is accurate, compelling and all too real. There is a fine line between slightly impaired and too impaired to drive. As mere mortals we lack the judgment to know the difference.

Instead of taking chances, take a stand. “Use your head” and “Plan ahead” are more than phrases. They’re common-sense statements we should all adhere to before we put ourselves into the position of having to make this sort of life and death decision. The time to decide whether or not to drink and drive isn’t when it’s time to go home.

Every decision has consequences. Don’t let a single decision or lapse in judgment forever define who you are. Don’t climb behind the wheel after drinking. Don’t let anyone else drive after drinking. Don’t ride with someone who has been drinking. If you’re hosting a party or get-together, either confiscate the keys of your guests before they drink – and have designated drivers available – or don’t serve alcohol at all.

It’s not worth the risk. The price is simply too high.

Safe living,
Yovette Mumford