Why Drink And Drive?

With the Easter break & bank holidays looming please do read this guest post. This happens far too often especially with everyone thinking "I'll be ok, it wont matter just this once!”

Seriously, this is a question I really would have hoped we could have avoided by now. Knowing the risks, the harm that can be done to ourselves and more importantly, those around us, you’d think people would have stopped getting into their cars while intoxicated, but that’s sadly not the case. I understand that when you’ve been drinking, you can sometimes do some truly awful or embarrassing things that are totally out of character, but the line has to be drawn somewhere, and I think that’s at the point where you start to endanger the lives of others.

With the bank holiday approaching, it’s now more important than ever to remind people of their responsibilities with this one. We get quite a few days off in a row, and for many of us, it’s a nice excuse to relax and have a glass of wine or two. I think the main risk is that people perpetuate stereotypes of what a drunk driver actually is – a young, irresponsible lad, or a teenage girl who doesn’t know how to handle herself – or a car. That’s not the case. Middle aged people are less likely to binge drink, but are still likely to get behind the wheel after “just a few”, thinking that they’re invincible. They’re not! Women are only responsible for 17% of drink driving related incidents, but equally, they must not be ignored in the statistics. Everyone should play a part in ensuring they don’t drive after drinking, or encourage others to. Just because you don’t get caught, it doesn’t make it right.

Remember that lovely driveway you had done? Leave the car there as you head out for a bit of a Sunday Funday! Call a taxi, or arrange a designated driver – you know it’s the best way of keeping the good vibes going all weekend long.

(Image Source: Leave The Car Here!!!) 

If that’s no use – remember your children? You know, the ones who rely on you for their stable family life? How will they feel if mummy or daddy is banged up in jail? It doesn’t set a great example, either. If you don’t have kids of your own, just imagine the idea of hitting one. Would you have ever been so careless without alcohol? You’ll never know, but it’s doubtful, and it’s an outcome that would haunt you for the rest of your life.

Does this sound preachy? Good. Because if you’re the sort of person who still needs to be told, then you need to be spoken to like a child. Of course, there are people with genuine issues surrounding drugs and alcohol, but if you’re unable to get help, there’s still no excuse to drink and drive. For those who do really struggle, check out the facts on Drink Aware, or speak to your local GP. Addiction is a scary thing, but there’s no need to struggle alone.

This may seem to be putting a dampener on the festivities, but it needs to be said to ensure they’re even better! Have a happy Easter – but make sure it’s a responsible one! Remember, too, that this always applies, at this time of year or otherwise. Be safe!