“I’m fine to drive.”

How many times have these words ended with the death of someone whether it is the drunk driver or another person?

Every year people are told not to drink and drive, but every year people think it could never happed to them and they get behind of a wheel drunk.

In 2008, ADECA reports that 319 people were killed due to alcohol related accidents. That is 33 percent of the total people killed from accidents, which was 966.

The fact of the matter is if the drunk driver had called a friend, family member or cab, then those 319 people would have not died that night. Furthermore, 11,783 people in 2008 would not have died in the United States if people didn’t drink and drive.

If you are planning to drink alcohol with friends, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.

If impaired, call a taxi or sober friend or family member, or use your community’s Sober Rides program.

If the thought of taking someone’s life doesn’t stop you then now that violators often face jail time, loose of their driver’s license, have higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, other fines and court costs, towing and repairs, lost time at work, etc.

Start 2010 off right…don’t drink and drive.