Drinking and driving is not a joke it can happen to anyone and the accidents that follow happen in a matter of seconds

Why do people drive drunk? Or even consider getting in the car after having a few? I’m currently taking a psychology class about Drugs and Society and this is a topic that we had discussed during the week. I didn’t know how I was going to handle my professor lecturing on this subject because it is one that hits really close to home. I lost my brother to a drunk driver this past summer, and it is something that could have easily been prevented if actions of the driver and/or others were changed. Listening to the lecture was rough and then having to read the facts was even harder. Please keep reading, I know most people know not to drink and drive, but here are the facts and it is important to know how alcohol affects you as a driver:

1. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year old age group.
   1. My brother was 17
2. Ages 21-24 is the age group with the highest rate of fatal crashes
   1. The man who hit my brother is 24
3. The Blood Alcohol Concentration of 35% of these fatal accidents is 0.08 and higher
   1. The BAC of the man who hit my brother was twice that at .163
4. Drivers who have a BAC of 0.08 or higher most likely have had a prior DWI conviction
   1. The driver in this case has prior criminal cases against him
5. Males are five times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents
   1. The driver was a male
   

This is how alcohol can affect you as a driver:

1. You process information slower
2. You are more likely to look to the center of your visual field not using your peripheral vision
   1. If able to use peripheral vision, the driver that hit my brother would have seen him before trying to pass the car in front of him
3. You have a hard time giving attention to multiple things such as someone talking to you while you are driving, listening to the radio/trying to find a station and even trying to call/text someone (which you shouldn’t even do sober)
   1. There were four other people in the car with the driver. Not saying they were, but they could be big distractions to a driver even if they were not talking to him.
4. You underestimate hazards when you
   1. You’re not aware of your surroundings and may not know how fast you are going.

My brother has become a statistic and the way the facts match-up with his case is appalling. I still don’t understand how these things happen. If you see someone leaving a bar and they’ve had a few and have keys in hand, say something. Whether you are a bartender, you know the person’s face or are a complete stranger offer to call a cab for them. If you go out with a friend and you drove there have someone be a designated driver or call a cab after. If you are meeting people and have drove there, but had a few to many call a cab yourself or see if a friend can take you. Be responsible; you are not only putting your own life in danger, but the lives of others as well. No one should have a loved one taken away by a drunk driving accident. If you have gotten this far thank you for reading. St. Patrick’s day is approaching as well as spring breaks, please be responsible and don’t drink and drive.