A Problem Nation Wide

Drunk Driving is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world today. There are many ways we can try to prevent deaths by reducing the amount of traffic accidents. According to Gale, “20% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S each year are caused by drunk drivers” (Hanson). Also, High blood alcohol content drivers tend to be male, ages 25-35 years old and have a history of DWI convictions and polydrug abuse” (Hanson). We cannot stop people from driving, but their licenses can be revoked or thrown into a penitentiary due to alcohol offenses. It is always good to protect yourself and help your inebriated friends by taking their keys away. Drunk Driving is a very serious problem that many people don’t take it seriously. There some penalties with little effect. According to a nation-wide study, “Large fines (for example $500) would have little deterrent effect” (Hanson). States raising the cost of alcohol may not reduce drunk driving. According to David, “increasing the cost of alcohol with a 10% tax would have virtually no impact on reducing drunk driving” (Hanson). Also, “increasing the cost tend to discriminate against lower income consumers and create other problems of unknown magnitude”. We all just need to be aware of what’s going around us.

"Big Problem With Wisconsin Drinking « CAFFEINATED POLITICS." CAFFEINATED POLITICS. 16 Nov. 2008. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. .

David J. Hanson, Ph.D. "Drunk Driving Is a Serious National Problem." Drunk Driving. Ed. Tamara Thompson. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 7 Dec. 2010.

Still Wanting To Drink and Drive?

We often hear that it is safe to have a friend with you at a party to help you drive just in case you get drunk. One night my friend and I went to a party. I got so drunk, I couldn’t drive. So I told my friend to be the designated driver. While driving home she almost crashed the car, because I was yelling at her and she was drunk as well. Even with a designated driver, people are still able to crash. It is always good to have a friend who doesn’t drink at all. According to Roth’s research, “Nearly 20% of rural respondents said they didn’t choose the designated driver until after people had started drinking” (Rothe). Having a designated driver is a good thing, but the passengers often tend to abuse them. The designated driver often gets yelled at or they often threaten each other to fight. According Rothe’s research it shows, “significant percentage of young people was willing to drive while intoxicated, as they had seen their parents driving after a few drinks” (Rothe). Following your parent’s foot steps is a good thing, but following their bad habits is considered a bad thing. If you are at a party with your friends and decide to get drunk, just call a taxi or just sleep over at the party. Even with a designated driver, people can still crash regardless.

"Big Problem With Wisconsin Drinking « CAFFEINATED POLITICS." CAFFEINATED POLITICS. 16 Nov. 2008. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. http://dekerivers.wordpress.com/2008/11/16/big-problem-with-wisconsin-drinking/.

"Google Image Result for Http://www.5myteen.com/images/crashOP.jpg." Google. 2005. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. .

Rothe, Peter. "Designating a Driver Is Not Enough." Drunk Driving. Ed. Tamara Thompson. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 7 Dec. 2010.