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April 25, 2008 11:52 am
Editorial: A few drivers put many at risk
There are two ways to look at a just-released government report. Let’s start with the positive.
According to the study, 85 percent of surveyed adult drivers nationwide reported not driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year. That’s good.
CNHI News Service
— Editorial: A few drivers put many at risk
Opinion: The Goshen (Ind.) News
There are two ways to look at a just-released government report. Let’s start with the positive.
According to the study, 85 percent of surveyed adult drivers nationwide reported not driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year. That’s good.
That means 15 percent of adult motorists did drive while impaired. That’s not so good.
The report focuses on information from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The survey asked 127,283 adults in 2004, 2005 and 2006 whether they drove under the influence in the previous year.
Drunken-driving rates vary by state. And nationwide, the 15 percent figure indicates that most drivers are doing the right thing. Fifteen percent is still obscenely high.
The decision to consume alcohol is a personal matter — until the decider opts to drive drunk. Private lifestyle choices become a public concern when public rights of way are involved.
Drunken-driving laws are on the books for a reason. They’re designed to save lives, not to be a killjoy or an irritant. Not convinced? Talk to a police officer who’s had to deliver terrible news to a family, or anyone who’s been in a crash where a drunken driver was at fault.
Put simply, impaired driving is inexcusable. Options abound for those who imbibe. Cab services, designated drivers and walking home make the short list. Drinking at home is another acceptable and time-honored alternative.
Drunken drivers risk arrest, at the very least. Sober drivers who share the road with them risk a lot more.
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