DRINKING AND DRIVING - Essay Example

It is usually the careless or irresponsible people who take life into their own hands behave this way because they have nothing much to lose. Drinking and driving is a grievous offence, that though capable of prevention still continues to be a menace that tragically affects thousands of people each passing year by maiming or death. The Government could take a more active part to secure the safety of its citizens by advertising and conducting anti- drink drive campaigns. Repeated offenders should be made to take another driving test.

Everyone needs safety and safety on the road is inevitable if one cares for their life and the lives of others. Drunken driving and fatalities can be prevented if a few simple measures can be followed. The first and foremost step could be educating children at both the school and college level on the dangers of drinking alcohol. People who have experienced an accident especially when a fatality is involved should be brought in to lecture and give a first hand report about their traumatic experience.

Safety measures such as the use of helmets, seat belts and use of air bags could also be discussed. Furthermore, people who drink and drive could be advised on effective practical ways to stay sober especially when on the road. Other methods that could be used to prevent fatalities are by having “Sobriety checkpoints (Elder et al. 2002). According to a CDC Report published in December 2002 issue of “Traffic Injury Prevention”, fewer alcohol related crashes took place when such check points were implemented.

To further reduce drug and alcohol related crashes, stringent laws and strategies that are effective should be implemented. This should involve minimum drinking age laws and 0% tolerance laws for drivers who are 21 years and younger. 2005, saw around 1.4 million drivers arrested for being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. (Department of