Drunk Driving

A major problem amongst teenagers is drinking and driving. A part of the teenage experience is experimentation and trying new and different things. Some of these choices are healthy while other can be considered dangerous. Teens often experiment with gateway drugs like cigarettes, marijuana, etc. One of the most used gateway drugs is alcohol. Teens believe that alcohol allows them to have more fun at parties. This is partly because alcohol lowers you inhibitions and will cause you to feel more "loose" and "free".

Often times, under the influence of alcohol, you are more like to do and try things that you would not do understand normal circumstances. Alcohol is also a depressant which causes you to feel tired. Some people may binge drink at a party which means they drink an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. Binge drinking can lead to “blacking out” which means you are conscious, but not fully aware of your actions. It may also cause a person to “pass out” which means that your body completely shuts down and you are unconscious for a period time. It could also lead to alcohol poisoning. If so, your stomach will have to be pumped in order for you to live. Binge drinking can also lead to death.

When you are under the influence of alcohol your reflexes, vision, and reaction time are impaired. When teens drink and get behind the wheel they are putting their life and the lives of others in danger because they are not coherent and lack the ability to make safe and sound decisions on the road. A drunk driver may exceed the speed limit, have impaired vision, be unable to see other people or cars on the road, swerve in and out of lanes, or pass out while driving and lose complete control of the car. In all of these scenarios, drunk driving inevitably leads to tragedy, destruction, and possibly death.

In the novel Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper, the main character, Andy, got his best friend killed because he was drinking and driving. Andy became depressed and withdrew from sports, his friends, and his family. He would often cry about what had happened and needed counseling. In the end he committed suicide.

Many young lives are being lost at the hands of drunk drivers. It is okay to have a good time, but it also important to be responsible and safe. No one has to the right to partake in any action they may result in the death of another person.