Driving Under the Influence

Obtaining a license to drive is a major milestone for youth and a necessity for the majority of citizens. Young people must realize that one of the major responsibilities of having a driver’s license is to be aware of the risk associated with drinking under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Teaching by example is very effective and provides a model for young drivers. All citizens and institutions need to acknowledge that a license to drive is not a license to kill, injure, or destroy. When driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, a driver is saying that, under certain circumstances, it’s okay to harm our families, friends, and neighbors.

Everyone needs to take a stand against impaired driving, individually and collectively. Intervening to prevent others from drinking and driving should be common practice among party hosts and friends. Designated drivers and alternative transportation must be used when drinking is taking place. Through our schools, places of employment, houses of worship, and community organizations, messages must be sent that drinking and driving is not socially acceptable.

The challenge is for all citizens to take responsibility for preventing impaired driving in communities and to teach young people safe driving behavior. For more information, contact the Passenger Safety Office with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at (979) 458-3428.