It is a social mindset and a public health issue to recognize that automobiles are inherently deadly, and adding alcohol is a direct road to destruction. Driving under the influence is a no-brainer. It's not a harmless or minor crime. It is a violent crime because it's assault with a deadly weapon (this concept is long standing in every state's statutes and common law). It's harmful because it is a gross indifference to the rights and safety of others. It is like shooting a loaded gun into a crowded highway: it's premeditated with a frightening degree of certainty that somebody will get hurt. It is well established that a BAC of .05 to .07 elevates a crash risk by 4 to 10 times.
Citizenship (community membership) entails certain duties, obligations, and responsibilities. Options for intoxication include:
Citizenship (community membership) entails certain duties, obligations, and responsibilities. Options for intoxication include:
- abstain
- stay home
- sleep over
- arrange for a designated driver
- pay for a taxi
Spare innocent others from a lifetime of pain and suffering. Spare yourself and others from death and crippling injury. Our mutual safety is in your hands. Life is a precious gift.
~~~
Choices. That was the theme of the public service video that Jeremy, Drake, and I helped make in April to prevent people from deciding to imbibe and drive. Jeremy didn't deserve the agony caused by another person's poor choices.
Consequences. Do people think about the results of their choices? Jeremy's mutilation and torture was fully preventable.
Common Sense. Intoxicated driving is stupid and against the law, and everybody knows it. Nobody needs to be personally affected with a horrific outcome to know the wisdom that alcohol + vehicle = dumb and disastrous.
You can watch the video here:
Short version:
Long version:
Informed Families sponsored this video in part as a prom campaign for Florida schools, but the message is meaningful for people of all ages, everywhere. Please consider signing the pledge because it is a way for Informed Families to receive funding so that they may do more of these sorts of community outreach projects. Their push in this project is for parents to promote "Safe Homes/Smart Parties"
I pledge to do the following:
- set guidelines
- not allow underage youth to drink alcoholic beverages or use tobacco or other drugs in our home or place of business
- be present at all pre-teen and teenage parties held in their homes to ensure that no drugs, alcohol or tobacco are present
- encourage future drug and alcohol free activities for underage youth
- spread the message to family and friends
Our thanks also go out to Nicole Pritchett and Jake Russell for making the film, and to Amy Zambrano for connecting us.
A community is healthy when everybody cares.
"There is no right to strike against the public safety by any body, any time, any where." Calvin Coolidge
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