Orlando car accidents are sudden and unexpected. Most collisions could have been avoided if the offending driver had only been paying attention. Recent claims have reminded us that drinking increases the likelihood of needless harm. Sadly, another innocent family lost a child who trusted a friend to take him home. As a father of four, it is difficult to imagine the burden these parents continue to carry as they relive this nightmare.
Once again, another young person had consumed a vast amount of alcohol before getting behind the wheel. He thought he was fine and convinced himself and his friend that he could safely drive. This case emphasizes the need for education. BEFORE the drinking begins young people must learn that when they begin drinking, the alcohol itself prevents a driver from rationally understanding his or her impairment. Yet, every time an impaired driver takes to the road, he or she is gambling with people’s lives, including their own.
As a result of his poor choices, this young man was sentenced to ten years in prison. While his prison sentence will eventually end, his memories and his guilt will remain a lifetime. He will likely question his choices endlessly. He will wonder why he did not let someone else take him home; or, why he did not call a taxicab. Yet, once a reckless decision is made, the consequences cannot be undone.
We try to educate others as to the dangers of such reckless behavior. We have seen far too many car accidents involving alcohol. Perhaps more astonishing are those situations, where police apprehend offenders who have illegal blood alcohol levels who did not cause a car collision. Those circumstances may be viewed as miraculous. Once a driver has obtained a blood alcohol level two to three times the legal limit, that driver is significantly impaired and his reflexes and perception are greatly diminished. Operating a motor vehicle under those conditions make a terrible collision so much more likely.
Whenever we believe that people are more aware, we receive another phone call from a victim’s family; or, we learn of another innocent person who will never see another tomorrow. When someone is harmed by a drunk driver, our justice system does provide a means to try to compensate for the losses which result. Our system is not perfect, but it does help deter wrongdoers and provide for compensation to those who have and continue to suffer.
