Drinking and driving wages war on America

Nearly five times as many Americans were killed in alcohol related crashes last year as perished in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon combined. Across the country, impaired drivers were responsible for over 16,000 deaths in 2000.

In the 10-year period 1990 to 2000, nearly 315,000 people were cited in our state for driving under the influence. Every 33 minutes, someone in our country is killed in an accident involving alcohol or drugs. Sobering statistics? We certainly hope so.

While few would argue that ringing in a New Year is a bad idea, responsible use of alcohol is essential. The folks at Mothers Against Drunk Driving offer the following tips this holiday:

  • Rather than risk drinking and driving, designate a non-drinking driver

  • Don’t serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

  • If you’re hosting a holiday event, do so responsibly.

    There is much in life over which we have little control. We can exercise responsibility over our own behavior, for the safety of ourselves and others.

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