Before driving think before you drink

This wonderful time of year, always brings in a lot of fun and excitement. Celebrations are held everywhere throughout this holiday season. But we must ardently remember to first prioritize our safety, along with the safety and well being of those in the community. We can affect the safety and well being of our friends and families by the simple choices we make each and every day.

Throughout this joyous time of year, one filled with unending celebrations, we must think about the safety of ourselves, the community, our families and friends. One powerful way of doing this is by planning your evening before engaging in celebration activities. If you plan on consuming any alcohol beverage when you are out, plan a way to get home. A way that does not include drinking and driving. We all know it is not smart when you've been out drinking, to then decide how you're going to get home. This can lead to a tragedy. One that affects you, family, friends, the community and anyone you've hurt.

There are many ways to prevent a tragedy. Call a cab, ask a friend to come get you, see if there is a 'free ride home' program offered in your community, walk and most importantly always have enough money on you to get a room for the night or to call for a cab. If you have money to go out, you should have money to call a cab to get home. You can also volunteer and become someone's designated driver. You still have fun, watch over your friends and get everyone home safely along with yourself.

MADD began with one woman's brave decision to turn her grief into action. This woman lost the life of her child, because of someone drinking and driving. She started an organization focused on bringing awareness to the community. An organization focused on preventing and stopping impaired driving. Many people joined in her plight, and made a difference. The organization grew and has become powerful. Members of the organization focused on creating new laws that prevent and apply consequences to those who freely choose to drive impaired. These penalties and consequences are equal to the crime of driving impaired. Their goal is to keep impaired drivers off the road, and to reduce recidivism.

The consequences of being found guilty of DUI are and not limited to; license revocation, fines, jail time, imprisonment, mandatory counseling, community service, mandatory alcohol assessment, higher insurance rates, probation, weekly check-ins which involve blood and urine tests, ignition interlock device, DUI educational classes, towing and vehicle storage rates and the possibility of losing the vehicle that they were driving to the state. All of these programs and consequences are paid for by the individual that is found guilty of driving impaired. An important element to note. If the individual misses one appointment, or does not comply with an order issued by the court, a warrant is issued for their arrest. They are arrested and go to jail, until they are presented to a judge for their non-compliance and for further evaluation done by the court.

So before you go out, plan on how you're going to get home safely. Have money on you so a cab can be called. If you want to drink, buy some and don't drink until you get home. Plan a party, invite people over and have a place for them to stay. Having a place for them to sleep will ensure their safety, along with the safety of others on the road. Think before you drink.