Hello all,
I am assuming that almost everyone has had their heart broken by
a car accident—a death that has no rhyme or reason other than carelessness or a
simple mistake. Consider drunk driving. Any accident is heartbreaking, yet
losing a friend or a loved one to someone's drunken state is heart-wrenching on
a whole other level. They are called accidents for a reason: they can be
prevented.
Prom night, New Year's Eve, the Super Bowl, or any regular night, these types of accidents are far too common. No one's prom night should be marked by a loss to drunken driving. The gut-wrenching truth is that many people think that it is perfectly okay to drive after drinking. No, not "drunk" they'll say—they've only had a few, and, well... that was an hour ago so they're "fine." I do believe that people know their limits: after having a rough night, a person realizes that they cannot drink to that extent again. Yet people can't tell exactly when they are no longer intoxicated and are fine to have a safe trip home.
But there is always one, isn't there? That one person that insists that they are fine. That person argues and is so damn stubborn and they go. Just like that…and then you get a phone call. So early in the morning, so late at night that you know it can be anything good. That panicked truth hits you and it is done. It is too far gone. It is in the past. There is no way to rewind or go back in time; you cannot undo what has been done.
What is there to do?
Please—I am begging you—make a decision. Make a decision, a vow, anything to prevent this. Just take responsibility for yourself. Take responsibility for your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, or just about anyone. Choose to do something. No, you can't prevent everything, but you can try. Just be active. Do something. Make that move and say no. Make that decision and stay sober and DD for the night. Make a move, or you may regret it. Restore faith in humanity.
It's the sad truth, but it's the truth; accidents can't always be stopped. It isn't always you who can change the outcome. After all, each and every one of those other drivers on the road has to be responsible enough to make decisions for themselves. All I am asking is to make the difference that you can. Because no matter how small it seems, a difference is a difference. Go on now—make a change.
Much love, Ashley
XOXO
