Sunday, December 21, 2008

Operation Red Nose

Very few things in the world get me angry. I mean, reaaaaally angry. Where I could literally hit someone or cry with tears of anger. Where I shake with anger pumping through my veins and feel like a loss of control could happen. That kind of anger is rare. But it does come out.

Like when people drive drunk.

Right now at this time of year there is no excuse. In fact, I'm gonna come right out and say there's no excuse at any time of the year to get behind the wheel intoxicated. You might as well have a loaded gun with the safety off in a room full of people. But with car driving services based soley on donation, extra taxis and sober and willing friends it's a testament to selfish behaviour at it's finest.

It's arrogant to think you're not going to cause the accident. Cause maybe you won't tonight. But how many people have given statements in handcuffs saying the same to a room full of angry lovers and families. You're no different. Get off you're goddamned pedestal.

Yes, you may be bigger but alcohol is alcohol and if you drink too much, then congratufuckinglations. You're then drunk. You will not sober up in twenty minutes with a glass of water. You know better than that and if you don't you're ignorant as well as selfish.

How many people have to die or get hurt from the actions of others. And what pisses me off the most is that it's completely avoidable and preventable. You're stubborn, so you drive. You feel fine, so you drive. Pretty much you don't care if you hurt yourself or others, so you drive.

You're a 'good drunk driver'? I ought to slap you across the face for spouting such vile words.

I have seen the consequences of drunk driving at it's finest. A friend who took her last breaths while a driver swore he didn't see her there and thought the bump was a pylon. Guess that's why he backed up twice over her. Going to her funeral when we were supposed to going to the winter prom. Hearing that the man's wife left him and he was on suicide watch while in jail. The cell he was only in for five years.

I have no respect for the people that decide. Willingly, decide to do this. I can't and I won't. I won't be a part of this anymore. This game where we both pretend you're not drunk and I'm supposed to look the other way. No throwing in my towl and I'm done.

I don't care if you hate me. I'd rather you hate me than kill someone else. So in the future I will be the one dialing the police's number if you grab your keys. I will be the one to announce that you're drunk to anyone who will listen. I will not drink with you if driving is involved and I will not accept bullshit excuses that sound like an adolescent trying to get out of curfew.

If you act like a spoiled child, I will treat you as one.

Because I love my friends. And I choose not to lose any more to drunk driving, even if it is their own.

14 comments:

little erin said...

i really love this entry. i'm assuming this isn't your intention in writing this blog, but its damn good. i share your sentiments exactly.

good for you for having the balls to take the keys or call the cops in the future. it sure as hell isn't an easy thing to do, but neither is going to your friends funeral either. i'm def. proud of you.

Pretty Unfamous said...

I completely agree with you. Drunk driving is one of the most selfish, destructive decisions a person can ever make.

Anonymous said...

Back when I used to go to parties that involved alcohol, there was a basket for car keys by the door. Once everyone had arrived, the host(ess) hid the basket. If you wanted to go home, you weren't driving. The assumption was that if you came to the party, you were drinking. And no one ever argued. If we went to the bar, there was a designated driver (this was back before they'd get free soda) and everyone kept the DD in soda for the evening. And no one ever complained.

So, kudos for doing whatever it takes to keep people from driving drunk! (You may be unpopular, but at least you'll be ALIVE!)

ash said...

you said it sistah! thanks for sharing your pain, you may change someone's actions

P said...

I remember sitting on the subway one day as two men discussed how to get out of drunk driving when caught, as if it was a regular conversation for them. And only fear of not getting beaten up (they looked rough as fuck!) stopped me from screaming at them "Just get a fucking TAXI, you morons!!!"

Slyde said...

i couldnt agree more. i confess when i was young and stupid i did it on occasion, but now im ashamed of it at least..

Bruce Johnson said...

This is another good reason why I walk and take the bus.

Unknown said...

hear! hear!

Anonymous said...

I don't care if people take risks for themselves. After all, your body is yours and if you want to maim or kill yourself that's just fine.

But when you risk innocent others you are the most serious kind of criminal.

Drunk drivers should be put in the fenced off compound with gang bangers and their guns and let em all kill each other off.

Melissa said...

Two good people I know died because they only drove home after having "a few." So when people get mad at me for telling them they should either spend the night, walk, or take a cab I tell them I don't want them to drive because I care about them. So the next time someone tries to convince you they're OK to drive because they've only had a few tell them you can't let them because you care about them. if that doesn't work punch them, then steal their car keys and stuff them down your pants. Works every time.

Unknown said...

Everyone- thanks for all the great comments and feedback on what I find a very serious topic and epidemic amongst 20somethings. Glad to see I'm not the only one that feels the same way :)

isabel said...

Yes - there isn't any excuse. I would want to die if I hurt another person that way.

Roland Hulme said...

Excellent post.

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