The Most Selfish Act
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Most Selfish Act

and the dangers of drunk driving

43
The Most Selfish Act
Raven Manchester

You're out having fun with your friends and you're a few drinks in. It isn't anything too serious, but your words are starting to slur and your balance is slightly off. Flash forward to the end of the night when everyone wants to go home, but none of you planned for someone to be a designated driver. Your friends decided that since you're the one who had fewer drinks, that you should drive home. In your head, you're thinking, "I can't talk correctly so I shouldn't drive but everyone else is too drunk to even walk...it's only right around the corner, but still".

So many people are stuck in this sort of this situation every weekend and end up risking not only their lives but others as well. According to the organization MADD (mothers against drunk driving), every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash. I don't know about you, but to me, this statistic is terrifying. This alone should deter anyone from getting behind the wheel after a few beers, but sadly it doesn't.

Another scary, fact according to The Center for Disease Control is, twenty-eight people die EVERY day due to alcohol-impaired driving, just in the United States alone. This statistic doesn't just include those who were behind the wheel, but bystanders who were in the cross fire of an accident as well. This may seem small, but this amounts to one death every 53 minutes.

Getting behind the wheel while impaired is the most selfish thing you can do not only towards yourself but to your family, friends and everyone else on the road. At all levels of BAC the risk of getting into a crash is greater...and the only way to sober up is with time. Drinking coffee, eating greasy foods, or taking a cold shower are all just myths, so don't risk yourself and others over a lie. On average, just two drinks alone already impairs your ability to perform two tasks at once and your ability to track moving targets.

As someone who's lost a loved one to a drunk driving accident, I'm begging you to not be selfish. I was only four when I lost my father. I wonder every day what could have been. I've watched my family be destroyed because of this unfortunate accident and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. Just please stay safe, and realize there are many options. Call a cab, an Uber, a friend or family member who would love to see you safe the next day and not get that awful. phone call. Don't become a statistic.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

101234
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments