After more then a decade of decline, alcohol-related injuries
and fatalities have increased in California for the fourth
consecutive year.
EDITOR:
After more then a decade of decline, alcohol-related injuries and fatalities have increased in California for the fourth consecutive year. Statewide, the number of people killed in alcohol-involved collisions increased eight percent from 2001 to 2002. Six percent might not sound like much, but that’s more than 100 lives lost.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement and dedicated groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and hundreds of others, Californians are once again mistakenly dismissing a DUI as if it were a speeding ticket. It’s far from it. Motorists need to know that a DUI is not a slap on the wrist and there are no second chances. Drunk driving is a serious crime that not only has the potential o destroy the lives of victims, but the driver as well.
If you’re a drunk driver, your odds of getting off are not good. As the holidays are here, I ask all Californians to take it upon themselves to prevent friends and the ones you love from getting behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol. By making the right choice to enjoy the holidays responsibly, such as designating a driver and always wearing a seat belt, we will put an end to this deadly trend.
Susanne Wright McPeak,
Sacramento
