The Seahawk

Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Op/Ed

The other weekend, after a night of drinking downtown with a few close friends, I decided it was time to call it a night. I waved goodbye to my girlfriends, ensured that I was ok, and flagged down a taxi. Twenty minutes later and $40 poorer, I finally reached my destination.

The price you pay to not drive drunk may seem like a steep amount and may appear to be somewhat overpriced, but compared to the $2,000 or so you would have to pay your attorney to work miracles and get you out of a DUI, $25 for a simple ride and a worthy $15 tip to the driver who suffered from hearing your drunk ramblings, doesn't look too bad after all. The decision you have to make when the night draws to an end, with the alcohol wearing on your judgment, is one that will stick with you forever if you choose the wrong route. You have to seriously ask yourself what is important to you and who you will affect if you drive drunk. With the risk of hurting or even killing yourself, you are also gambling with others' lives as well.

I have never been affected by a drunk driver or affected anyone else; however, I have seen family members and friends go through absolute horror because of poor decisions to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. It can change your life and force you to deal with the consequences forever. Ask yourself, is it worth it?

The answer is no! I know that college students are going to struggle with making the mature decision at the end of the night -- I know I have. But, it is time to grow up. No excuses, no explanations and no apologies. It will not make anything better in the end and it sure will not soothe the thoughts of a parent or friend of a victim. Think about how many people will suffer because of your failure to make a sound decision regarding your means of transportation after a night of drinking - too many to count.

I grew up with a mother who knew how alcohol could influence behaviors and decisions. She never drank excessively but occasionally sips on her fruity cocktail (singular) at dinner. Growing up with brothers who enjoyed the buzz from alcohol, she frequently told my brother and I that she would always pick us up, at any hour of the night, just to keep us from driving drunk - and that's exactly what she did. My mother, (bless her for her patience) kept her word and fortunately drilled into our heads the damaging aftermath that can become of poor drinking decisions. Without one thought of criticizing judgment and only a few choice words of encouragement, she picked us up whenever we needed a ride.

I realize that I am a lucky person, to have been blessed with the gracious mother who consistently said it's better to ask for a ride then to drive drunk. Not everyone has that person in their life who has taught them the difference between wrong and really wrong. But, it is a difference that anyone can see when they open their eyes. Keep in mind that no matter how much you think you can make it home, the fact is simply that you are not thinking. Don't make it hard on yourself - spend the cash to get a ride home, call a friend to come scoop you up from the bar, or even bite the bullet and call your mother. I am positive she will appreciate your maturity.

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