Monday, November 29, 2010

Drink&Drive

       Driving intoxicated or drunk is dangerous and can cause car accidents, injuries, and even death. Every injury and death caused by drinking and driving is totally preventable but, it's still a big problem. Christopher Trautman of Rochester Minnesota killed one and injured three others last weekend from drunk driving.
       Around 12 A.M. on Saturday Trautman was driving and had been drinking with some friends. Once the policeman caught him they tested him for his blood alcohol level which was 0.18%. Twice the legal limit. He hit the 4 people going 50mph in a 30mph zone. Now, the sad part is he hit the individuals 2 different times. First he hit 2 men, one of them being Austin Melville whom was killed, and then minutes later hit the 2 other people. I can't fathom how such a horrible thing can happen all at once in one night.
      Three of the 4 were critically injured but, it was fatal for Austin Melville. He was a graduate from Winona University who had plans for his life but they were taken away in an instant. He had a degree in Mass Communications and had a dream to become a sportscaster. It's upsetting to think one innocent life is taken and others injured because of another's stupid decision.
      Drinking and driving I believe is one of the lowest things a person can do because they know its wrong. Millions of people are injured in alcohol related traffic crashes annually. It doesn't matter whether you had just 2 or 3 drinks just wait to drive! It also doesn't matter what your drinking, alcohol is alcohol and time is the only cure. Why run the risk of injuring yourself and or others? You could even end up having your licence revoked and then how will you get around on your own time? Drinking and driving is dangerous and you can believe every myth that comes with it.
      Imagine being in Christopher's shoes. He faces 14 charges including 3 felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide. Not only will he have to face these charges but also the fact that he took a life because of his dumb decision. Just this one night changed everything not only for him but the other individuals who were injured and effected.
       In order to protect yourself from ever being in this situation you can do a couple different things. First you can give up a couple drinks and volunteer to be the designated driver if no one else will. Always remember to wear your seat belt and avoid rural/country roads especially if its dark out. Also, don't let the drunks in the car distract you. And most importantly, never let your friends drive intoxicated or ride with a intoxicated driver. Simply following these tips can save your from a world of hurt.
      Christopher Trautman will have to live the rest of his life not only with this on his record but also with guilt. Three were injured and one was killed. Injuries and deaths caused by drinking and driving are preventable, using the helpful tips will keep you from a situation like this. Don't become a statistic but a change.
 

2 comments:

  1. This is yet another sad story about what really can happen when people make the choice to drink and drive. I do agree with all of the tips you suggested, if more people would follow these we could stop these alcohol related accidents from even happening.

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  2. Marissa, I thought you brought up a great point here! I think one other thing that can be done to help is to get the drunk drivers who have 6, 7, 8, or more OMVI's off the road, too!

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