Drunk driving is an indefensible act of stupidity!

I'd like to start this short article as a moral authority on the perils of drunk driving and drink related problems but I can't. You see, way back in 1980 I was involved in an awful road accident for no other reason than I was intoxicated. After numerous operations, 5 months in hospital, and 18 months in a wheel chair, I was just happy to be alive, but what's more, I was so relieved that I didn't kill or maim any other party due to my stupidity. Driving drunk wrecks lives period! There are tens of thousands of drunk driving accidents every year and for some reason, many ordinary, well balanced and likeable folks don't seem to develop a healthy fear when it comes to alcohol.

Nowadays, I have a low tolerance of stupidity in this world and I have learned in my adult years that there are quite a few people in this world who have very little common sense. That may sound a little hypocritical after reading the opening paragraph, but like I said, I learnt and therefore feel a duty to pass on the message.

It is not uncommon to find someone at this day and age who has not been affected in some way by drunk driving. Whether they know someone who was a victim, someone who was the driver or heard a very powerful story, drunk driving impacts almost everyone.

The media has been all over Mel Gibson since his recent drunk driving incident. I'm a fan of his and it won't deter me from seeing his movies. However, it does make me feel differently about him and there is a sense of anger towards him. That sense of anger is the same as I feel towards anyone who is drunk driving. I've been a victim of drunk driving and heard entirely too many stories to not be adamant about it.

About 2 years ago, I was leaving the movie theater when a man who was drunk driving sideswiped me. It wasn't a major accident but enough to scare the wits of out me. Neither of us were injured but I was so upset with him knowing what the consequences could have been. Had he not swerved, I may not be writing this today. Even after the close shave, he was disrespectful enough to get back behind the wheel and continue to drive home. I say disrespectful because in my opinion, that's what drunk driving is. A night of drinking may seem innocent and fun, but it is completely irresponsible and disrespectful to get behind the wheel and put other peoples lives at risk.

A few months ago, four local boys were driving home from a graduation party. Every one of them was completely sober. A man on a motorcycle was coming towards them with his teenage daughter holding onto him. He decided to turn in front of the oncoming car that was filled with graduates and they collided. Instantly, the collision burst into flames. All four boys along with the father and daughter on the motorcycle were killed instantly. Six lives that were ended early. When the investigation was over, it was determined that the driver of the motorcycle had been drunk. His poor decision-making skills affected more than his own life - he killed his own daughter and four college-bound boys in a split second. Not to mention all of the families that were completely destroyed just because one person was drunk driving.

I pass that roadside memorial every day on my way to work and am reminded about how drunk driving is such a tragic decision. Ask around, I'm sure you'll find someone who can tell you a story about how this topic affected their life.

Sod the drunk driving defense lawyers who try to get their clients off lightly, I say reinforce the drunk driving laws and make the penalties harsher for drivers under the influence. In my opinion, there should be no such thing as a drunk driving lawyer. Intelligent people, who make a decision to go out, get drunk, and drive home are committing an indefensible act