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Editorials - 12/28/00Drive sober when ringing in the new millennium |
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Twenty-eight people lost their lives on North Carolina highways during the Christmas and New Year's holidays a year ago. Percentages tell us that a third of them were killed as a result of someone drinking beyond their capacity to safely drive a car.
N.C. Insurance Commissioner Jim Long is urging anyone who consumes alcohol not to drive, and he's urging anyone who suspects a drunk driver is on the road to immediately report the driver to the highway patrol. Statistics show that this is the most deadly time of year on our highways. That's because between Christmas and New Year's, social drinkers consume too much alcohol, which in turn increases the percentage of drunk drivers behind the wheel. Last year 28 were killed and 1,434 were injured in 2,826 crashes during this period. A recent survey by Progressive.com shows that 32 percent of respondents plan to drive after having a couple of drinks. This could make the majority of such drivers legally drunk here, with the state's blood alcohol content limit of .08. Commissioner Long says such a decision is irresponsible, not to mention costly. "The holiday season is for family and friends, yet it could turn to tragedy in an instant as the result of one selfish decision," said Long. "Impaired driving threatens public safety, for we are all at risk of being killed or injured in an alcohol-related crash. Alcohol is the leading factor in more than one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in America. The violence caused by these drunk drivers must stop." If you are arrested for impaired driving in this state, you will lose your driver's license on the spot. If convicted, that license could be revoked for one year. In addition, car insurance rates could balloon 400 percent for the next three years. Drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes often kill others who haven't had a drop to drink. Victims are family members, beloved friends and innocent children. Anyone who sees a drunk driver on the road should immediately call the N.C. Highway Patrol. If you have a cell phone, pull over to the side of the road and dial "*HP" (*47). Vital information to mention includes the vehicle description, license plate number, make and model of the car and the location and direction in which the car is traveling. Warning signs of an impaired driver include: Driving too fast or slow for conditions; weaving or zig-zagging between lanes and the side of the road; straddling lanes or driving on the center line; driving with headlights off at night; eratic braking or stopping without cause; slow response to traffic signals; accelerating or decelerating rapidly; and tailgating. "Let's ring in the New Year safely," said Long. "Don't get behind the wheel even if you've had just one drink." Commissioner Long makes good sense. Let's all listen to him and drive responsibly. Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
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