When one makes the decision to drive drunk, they are not only putting their life in danger but also the lives of anyone on the road. In recent years, the consumption of alcohol has been glamorized by celebrities as well as personal role models who rave about their clouded judgement and inability to make good decisions. Staggering statistics about drunk driving continue to proven everyday. For instance, it was found that an average person has driven drunk 80 times before their first arrest and drunk driving costs the United States $199 billion a year, yet these staggering statistics seem to only encourage people to continue the vicious cycle.
To end the atrocities of negligent people electing to drink and drive, restaurants and bars should install a policy where an employee must make an informed decision about a person’s ability to drive. The selected employee should be required to take into consideration the amount of drinks the patron has consumed before using a breathalyzer to determine the patron’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). If the employee determines the patron should not drive, then they should call a family member or friend to pick them up and drive them home. Another policy restaurants and bars should install is to have a computer, or handwritten, system that requires patrons write down the numbers of people who can pick them up if they have consumed too much alcohol. No matter how often or how few times a patron may drink at the restaurant, patrons should fill out the form before they begin drinking so it will be easier for employees to get a ride for drunk patrons. Drunk driving, a blindspot in society, continues to affect the United States. Despite the numerous organizations and programs that advocate their position to their local government, drunk drivers continue to drive on the road highly intoxicated. Multiple solutions can be proposed, however, the suppliers of the alcohol--restaurants and bars--should be responsible for preventing visibly drunk patrons to leave highly intoxicated. |
"Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash."
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