| Every 30 minutes, someone in
America dies because of a drunken driving accident, according to the National
Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Of the 17,520 people who
die each year, 1,400 are college students between the ages of 18 to 24. Drug- and alcohol-related deaths and injuries among college students always increase between March and April, when many students are on Spring Break, according to the www.bacchusgamma.org web site. Drinking and driving is an issue that affects everyone. Even if you have never gotten behind the wheel while intoxicated or don’t know somebody who has, know this: the NHTSA estimates that 30 percent of all Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. One person who certainly falls into that percentage is David Grandt, a San Antonio firefighter and trained EMT. A couple of years ago Grandt and his partner responded to a call to assist a critically ill person. As they drove down the street with their emergency lights and sirens on, they approached an intersection. Even though the traffic light facing them was green, they cautiously slowed down to make sure it was clear to pass through the intersection. Suddenly, a speeding car came driving down the street across from the direction Grandt and his partner were driving. To avoid hitting the cars that were stopped at the red light, the speeding driver swerved around them, drove into the intersection and broadsided the emergency vehicle Grandt and his partner were in. The impact caused the emergency vehicle to spin off the road and into a utility pole. Both vehicles were totaled, but no one suffered life-threatening injuries. The 19-year-old male driver who hit them was drunk, and he has absolutely no memory of what happened to this day. “He almost killed us. We’re lucky to be alive,” said Grandt. “I can’t think of any good excuse for driving drunk. When you go out, party responsibly. At least have one designated driver. If they break the rules and start drinking, then you have to come up with a back-up plan. Sleep in your car if all else fails, because it’s not worth it to drive drunk.” Someone who knows the serious consequences of driving drunk is Dago Saldivar, a 20-year-old Criminal Justice major here at Palo Alto College. Two years ago, he was on his way home from a party after having a couple of beers. As it turned out, a police officer noticed he was speeding and pulled him over. The officer sensed the smell of alcohol on his breath and placed him under arrest. He spent three days in jail before his parents were able to post bail. “I honestly didn’t think it would be a big deal driving home that night,” he said. “I wasn’t drunk and the drive wasn’t that far, so I figured I’d make it home okay. Instead, I end up in jail, get my license taken away, and have to pay a huge fine. It was the worst experience of my life, so far. I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.” Saldivar’s story confirms what Eileen Ortegon, a victim advocate for Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, has known all along. “Drinking and driving don’t mix,” she said. “Drinking a sip, drinking one beer, that’s still drinking. One drink can cause a crash and kill someone and ruin your life and someone else’s life. A lot of people don’t think it’s going to happen to them. When it does happen, most people are regretful. However, the damage has already been done and it’s too late to try and fix it.” Ortegon suggested that before going to a party, ask a family member or trusted friend to be your designated driver. If this is not possible, call a taxi to pick you up. If you are under 21, the best way to party responsibly is not to drink at all. |