Dangers Of Drunk Driving

As a society, we know the statistics, but sometimes drunk driving still isn’t taken as serious as it needs to be; but with an annual cost of 50 billion dollars, alcohol related crashes are clearly still a problem. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers, especially if impaired, (Preventing). Impairment is defined as the amount of alcohol in the blood, (Drunk). The way the government/law enforcement can tell if someone is impaired is their BAC level. The government has also helped decrease the statistics of drunk driving by creating educational programs. However, because of this, there really is no excuse for drunk driving.
The legal BAC level, in most states, is .08 grams per
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a federal agency, offers several recommendations for preventing drunk driving.” (Preventing). “According to the CDC, teens driving while impaired are 17 times more likely to die in a crash than when they’re not driving.” (Preventing). The organization MADD, Mothers against Drunk Driving, promoted the use of designated drivers and popularized the famous slogan, “friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” (Preventing). The Drunk Driving Prevention Program (DDPP) provides free sober rides home at military bases throughout the country, (Drunk Driving). The DDPP “was created by active-duty military to help follow service members, however anyone may use the program.” (Drunk Driving). Vertisense, maker of Alcohoot, the most advanced alcohol activity tracker, and the DDPP aim to reduce drunk driving by raising awareness of BAC levels and offering rides home, (Drunk Driving). “The Vertisense-DDPP partnership showcases a commitment to reduce the number of DUI’s in the U.S.” (Drunk Driving). “Program usage is completely confidential and the participants can be picked up as often as needed.” (Drunk Driving). Since organizations began raising awareness of drunk driving, there’s really no excuse for drunk driving. Which means “DWI crashes are considered crimes, rather than accidents.”
They have come up with tougher driving laws. “Studies show that teens with tougher driving laws are half as likely to drink and drive as in states with weaker laws.” (Preventing). Sobriety checkpoints, for example, are used by law enforcements. “Police set up roadblocks and check driver for signs for intoxication.” (Preventing). Another step-in are ignition interlocks. “Ignition interlocks are breath analyzers, commonly called Breathalyzers, which the driver must inhale into before starting the vehicle; if the device measures a BAC above the legal limit, the engine will not start.” (Preventing). One method that isn’t government affiliated is a family contract. “Family contracts have been effective in helping teens and parents make wise decisions.” “Both parent and child promise never to drive under the influence always wearing a seatbelt and to call for a ride if impaired.” (Preventing). Due to the excess awareness drunk driving has received, drunk driving is plainly, unacceptable and it absolutely should not be brushed off the shoulders. Hopefully, the government won’t let this subject fall through the cracks. It’s time to put an end to drunk