Over the past few weeks, I have delved myself into the impacts of drinking and driving on United States’ society and economy. By creating a blog, researching different organizations and companies that deal with preventing drinking and driving, and creating a children’s fable, I have been able to clearly express my ideas and subjective opinions in America’s exertion to eliminate drunk driving.
Creating a blog was something entirely new to me. I never knew that I could post my ideas and thoughts on my own website and that I could share these ideas with my peers and others around the world. In a research paper that I wrote before creating my blog, authors, reporters, and journalists all had connected views on the topic of drunk driving. My research paper was the foundation of my blog. After my research paper was posted, I extended my research to discover organizations and programs that work to end drinking and driving.
Organizations like Students Against Destructive Decisions, The Century Council, and the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness are all programs that give a reaching arm to those in need of help due to issues involving alcoholic substances. In an effort to comply with the teachings and missions of the previous stated organizations, I wrote letters to the organizations either critiquing or praising their efforts. The only critique that I made was to SADD because of its offensiveness towards designated driving programs. The mission statements of the programs and organizations, for the most part would match my mission statement if I were to write one. I believe that the letters were a great way to acknowledge the fact that Americans, like me, are willing to work with such programs to terminate drunk driving. I discovered that, by writing these letters, I was able to allow my voice to be heard by a variety of people commending them on their past, present, and future efforts.
America’s youth is America’s prospective future. A well-educated youth is more likely to make better decisions in hiss or her future whether it is dealing with friends, careers, etc. Young Americans are a vital part of the project that I have been working on the past few weeks. A child must be informed at an early age of the impacts of drinking underage and driving. Children need to learn that punishments and consequences will become more and more severe if drunk driving proceeds to continue in the United States. By recreating the story of “The Tortoise and the Hare” into a story involving an “impaired hare,” I believe that I can teach and inform children of the dangers of alcohol on the mind and body. Overall, the mediums that I used for my project (the blog, letters, and fable), have all served some sort of effectiveness that I hope reaches more and more people. I want to inform people, with the help of other organizations, of the impacts of drinking and driving and its effects on America's society. I want people to make smarter and healthier decisions in the future and for Americans to acknowledge the fact that they are killing themselves and others due to a preventable decision.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Tortoise and The Impaired Hare
Once upon a time, there lived a seventeen-year-old tortoise that respected and abided by the law. The tortoise had an acquaintance with the hare and they happened to be the same age.
The hare bragged and boasted about how fast he could run and how cool he was because he drinks alcohol underage. So, the tortoise became aggravated because of course tortoises are not known to be the fastest creatures to roam the Earth. The hare challenged the tortoise to a race to prove that hares will always outrun tortoises.
On race day all of the animals in the forest gathered to watch what they believed to be a terrible loss of the tortoise to the hare. The hare thought that he would relax a bit, so he had a few too many alcoholic beverages. The race began and the hare took off as if he were running from someone or something (perhaps the law).
Three quarters into the race, the hare became exhausted and fatigued as if he could not stand up straight for any longer. He began stumbling and mumbled under his breath "I think I drank too much!" He passed out in the middle of the racecourse and no one was around to see it.
The tortoise, although moving slowly, discovered that the hare was fast asleep with a greenish tint in his cheeks. The spectators were cheering for the tortoise and yelling for the hare to wake. He did not move whatsoever.
The tortoise continued on with the race and proceeded to the finish line where he received cheers and congratulations from the forest animals. He was happy and excited about the incredible win, but something was bothering him. He went back to the leg of the race where the hare had fallen asleep. Afraid that the hare was in serious trouble, he shook him as hard as he could to wake him up.
The hare finally came to and became confused as to where he was and what had happened. The tortoise could smell the alcohol on the hare's breath and confronted him about it. The tortoise said "Why would you mess with alcohol if you are still underage? And why did you attempt to run a race while impaired or drunk?" The hare did not have a logical explanation and could not even form a complete sentence. He was embarrassed that he did not win the race due to alcohol. The tortoise told the hare that he should wait until he was at least twenty-one to experience with alcohol and then said to him, " I'm going to wait until I'm ready. Slow and Steady won the race! No pun intended."
The moral of the story is that drinking underage led to failure for the hare. Wait until you are at least twenty one to experience with alcohol and decide for yourself if is worth it or not.
The hare bragged and boasted about how fast he could run and how cool he was because he drinks alcohol underage. So, the tortoise became aggravated because of course tortoises are not known to be the fastest creatures to roam the Earth. The hare challenged the tortoise to a race to prove that hares will always outrun tortoises.
On race day all of the animals in the forest gathered to watch what they believed to be a terrible loss of the tortoise to the hare. The hare thought that he would relax a bit, so he had a few too many alcoholic beverages. The race began and the hare took off as if he were running from someone or something (perhaps the law).
Three quarters into the race, the hare became exhausted and fatigued as if he could not stand up straight for any longer. He began stumbling and mumbled under his breath "I think I drank too much!" He passed out in the middle of the racecourse and no one was around to see it.
The tortoise, although moving slowly, discovered that the hare was fast asleep with a greenish tint in his cheeks. The spectators were cheering for the tortoise and yelling for the hare to wake. He did not move whatsoever.
The tortoise continued on with the race and proceeded to the finish line where he received cheers and congratulations from the forest animals. He was happy and excited about the incredible win, but something was bothering him. He went back to the leg of the race where the hare had fallen asleep. Afraid that the hare was in serious trouble, he shook him as hard as he could to wake him up.
The hare finally came to and became confused as to where he was and what had happened. The tortoise could smell the alcohol on the hare's breath and confronted him about it. The tortoise said "Why would you mess with alcohol if you are still underage? And why did you attempt to run a race while impaired or drunk?" The hare did not have a logical explanation and could not even form a complete sentence. He was embarrassed that he did not win the race due to alcohol. The tortoise told the hare that he should wait until he was at least twenty-one to experience with alcohol and then said to him, " I'm going to wait until I'm ready. Slow and Steady won the race! No pun intended."
The moral of the story is that drinking underage led to failure for the hare. Wait until you are at least twenty one to experience with alcohol and decide for yourself if is worth it or not.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Century Council
http://www.centurycouncil.org/about/about.html
Mission Statement:
"The Century Council, launched in May 1991 and funded by America's leading distillers, promotes responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol and fights alcohol abuse, focusing on drunk driving and underage drinking problems. The Council's funding companies (Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Future Brands, LLC; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc.) have invested more than $175 million in the last ten years in programs that fight against the misuse of their products.
The Century Council is headquartered in Washington, DC. An independent Advisory Board made up of distinguished leaders in business, government, education, medicine and other relevant disciplines assists the Council in development of programs and policies.
The Century Council, operating on the philosophy that collective action can have a greater impact than individual efforts, involves all sectors of the community including beverage alcohol wholesalers and retailers, law enforcement, public officials, educators, insurers, health care professionals and private citizen organizations in the fight against alcohol misuse."
Here is a letter that I sent to The Century Council:
November 27, 2007
The Century Council 1
310 G Street, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-637-0077
Fax: 202-637-0079
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Gillian Liddicoat and I am a freshman at Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Recently I wrote a research paper on the harsh realities of drinking and driving and its impacts on society and the United States’ economy.
The Century Council has made an outstanding effort to reduce and prevent drinking and driving and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge your progress.
I was exploring the Century Council’s website and came across the efforts and programs that it has created to encourage students across America to resist from drinking and driving. From speakers like Brandon Silveria to online workshops for college students, the Century Council has affected thousands and thousands of people and has influenced them enough to make the best, rational decisions.
The issue of drinking and driving is so important to me because I have had family members injured due to a drunk driver. I think that the efforts the Century Council continues to enforce are wonderful junctures in today’s expanding and experiencing society.
It would be great if you could send me any new updates that the Century Council has proceeded with. I really appreciate what you and your fellow workers have done for the prevention of drinking and driving among all Americans. I look forward to receiving more information. Thank you very much for your time and hard work.
Sincerely,
Gillian Liddicoat
Eckerd College
P.O. Box 1085
4200 54th Ave. S.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33711
Mission Statement:
"The Century Council, launched in May 1991 and funded by America's leading distillers, promotes responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol and fights alcohol abuse, focusing on drunk driving and underage drinking problems. The Council's funding companies (Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Future Brands, LLC; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc.) have invested more than $175 million in the last ten years in programs that fight against the misuse of their products.
The Century Council is headquartered in Washington, DC. An independent Advisory Board made up of distinguished leaders in business, government, education, medicine and other relevant disciplines assists the Council in development of programs and policies.
The Century Council, operating on the philosophy that collective action can have a greater impact than individual efforts, involves all sectors of the community including beverage alcohol wholesalers and retailers, law enforcement, public officials, educators, insurers, health care professionals and private citizen organizations in the fight against alcohol misuse."
Here is a letter that I sent to The Century Council:
November 27, 2007
The Century Council 1
310 G Street, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-637-0077
Fax: 202-637-0079
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Gillian Liddicoat and I am a freshman at Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Recently I wrote a research paper on the harsh realities of drinking and driving and its impacts on society and the United States’ economy.
The Century Council has made an outstanding effort to reduce and prevent drinking and driving and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge your progress.
I was exploring the Century Council’s website and came across the efforts and programs that it has created to encourage students across America to resist from drinking and driving. From speakers like Brandon Silveria to online workshops for college students, the Century Council has affected thousands and thousands of people and has influenced them enough to make the best, rational decisions.
The issue of drinking and driving is so important to me because I have had family members injured due to a drunk driver. I think that the efforts the Century Council continues to enforce are wonderful junctures in today’s expanding and experiencing society.
It would be great if you could send me any new updates that the Century Council has proceeded with. I really appreciate what you and your fellow workers have done for the prevention of drinking and driving among all Americans. I look forward to receiving more information. Thank you very much for your time and hard work.
Sincerely,
Gillian Liddicoat
Eckerd College
P.O. Box 1085
4200 54th Ave. S.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33711
Monday, November 26, 2007
International Institute for Alchohol Awareness
http://www.iiaaonline.org/
"Our Mission:
The International Institute for Alcohol Awareness is committed to preventing the devastating consequences associated with alcohol abuse and underage drinking by:
Promoting common-sense and cost-effective policies to address these issues.
Establishing effective practices for communities to combat underage drinking and alcohol abuse.
Conducting public messaging campaigns to educate parents and policymakers concerning the harm associated with alcohol use by youth.
Establishing partnerships among industry, non-profit and parent organizations and communities to prevent underage drinking and alcohol abuse."
A letter to the IIAA:
November 27, 2007
International Institute for Alcohol Awareness
6526 10th Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22307
Phone: 301-755-2783
Fax: 301-755-2799
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Gillian Liddicoat and I am currently a freshman at Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, Florida. As a teenager, I have seen and heard of my peers being harmed or injured due to the effects of alcohol on the mind, body, and soul.
It is quite unfortunate to hear of my friends and fellow students drinking and driving because it hurts to know that they are putting their lives into jeopardy. I commend the efforts made by the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness because young adults need to realize the harm that they are causing to themselves and to their country.
The congressional section of the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness’ website is an informative lesson for young adults. They must realize that the United States Congress plans to put an end to drinking and driving and consequences for the crime will not be merciful. I believe that the U.S. law enforcement has not been as strong as it needs to be to end impaired driving under the influence of alcohol.
The IIAA has worked extremely hard to inform American citizens of the economic, political, and social malevolencies due to drinking and driving. I thank you graciously for your efforts and please continue to persuade Americans to abide by the law and to stray away for alcohol abuse.
Sincerely,
Gillian Liddicoat
P.O. Box 1085
4200 54th Ave. S.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33711
"Our Mission:
The International Institute for Alcohol Awareness is committed to preventing the devastating consequences associated with alcohol abuse and underage drinking by:
Promoting common-sense and cost-effective policies to address these issues.
Establishing effective practices for communities to combat underage drinking and alcohol abuse.
Conducting public messaging campaigns to educate parents and policymakers concerning the harm associated with alcohol use by youth.
Establishing partnerships among industry, non-profit and parent organizations and communities to prevent underage drinking and alcohol abuse."
A letter to the IIAA:
November 27, 2007
International Institute for Alcohol Awareness
6526 10th Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22307
Phone: 301-755-2783
Fax: 301-755-2799
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Gillian Liddicoat and I am currently a freshman at Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, Florida. As a teenager, I have seen and heard of my peers being harmed or injured due to the effects of alcohol on the mind, body, and soul.
It is quite unfortunate to hear of my friends and fellow students drinking and driving because it hurts to know that they are putting their lives into jeopardy. I commend the efforts made by the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness because young adults need to realize the harm that they are causing to themselves and to their country.
The congressional section of the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness’ website is an informative lesson for young adults. They must realize that the United States Congress plans to put an end to drinking and driving and consequences for the crime will not be merciful. I believe that the U.S. law enforcement has not been as strong as it needs to be to end impaired driving under the influence of alcohol.
The IIAA has worked extremely hard to inform American citizens of the economic, political, and social malevolencies due to drinking and driving. I thank you graciously for your efforts and please continue to persuade Americans to abide by the law and to stray away for alcohol abuse.
Sincerely,
Gillian Liddicoat
P.O. Box 1085
4200 54th Ave. S.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33711
I wrote this to give viewers a bit of background information..
The Economic and Social Impacts of Drunk Driving
Drinking and driving is and will continue to be a leading issue in today’s society. Drinking and driving affects thousands and thousands of people physically and mentally. Teenagers throughout the United States have begun to experiment with alcohol and have caused a far too large number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries. Teenagers are not the only ones that are causing the issue of driving while intoxicated. Alcoholics, who will deny the fact that they have a drinking problem, have also caused numerous traffic fatalities and law enforcers are not being as strict as they need to be to put an end to drinking and driving.
The current law enforcement in the Unites States is lacking the ability to punish criminals. One of the goals of the U.S. law enforcement is to crack down on drinking and driving by pressuring or threatening those who commit the crime of drinking while intoxicated or under the influence. The affects that drinking and driving have on one also affect that person’s family and ultimately impact the United States’ economy. It may be too late, but steps need to be taken throughout the United States to secure the safety of society and to protect America’s reputation as one of the strongest nations in the world.
In Gerald D. Robin’s “Waging the Battle Against Drunk Driving,” examined are the effects of alcohol on the mind, body, and soul. Robin’s book incorporates the measures that need to be taken to “crackdown drunk driving (Robin 109).” The author refers to “general deterrence,” which is the process by which laws are improved to rid the issue of drunk driving, to be used when one is convicted of drinking and driving. Year over year, the number of fatalities due to drunk driving exceed the number of murders there are. “Drunk drivers maim more innocent victims than all assault street criminals combined (Robin 6).” The harsh realities of drinking and driving seem unreal, but they are extremely truthful. Any act of drinking and driving, even though it may only be one drink, is an extremely serious crime and the consequences, although severe, are going to get worse. General deterrence must be made stronger in order to keep drunk drivers off of the roads.
In reality, drunk driving can affect the lives of many even though no one was injured physically. Impaired driving has caused deprived lives for many Americans. For example, one September night, Cam Johnson was arrested for having one drink with her friends and she decided that she would drive them home. Unfortunately, Johnson was illegally intoxicated and suffered major consequences. Johnson rarely drank alcohol and she even stressed the importance of not drinking especially if you to decide to drive to her children. “She feels like an outcast in her own family (Sun A01).” She was embarrassed and nearly shunned away by the ones that once loved her. Johnson’s friends and family viewed her as a horrible person with an alcohol problem when she rarely even drinks. With the costs of damage done emotionally, the single crime of getting a DUI can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. “Her marriage has collapsed, in part because of arguments about the thousands of dollars her arrest has cost (Sun A01).” The affects of Johnson’s action led to problems that she would have never even thought of if it were not for the single drink that she had.
Cam Johnson’s personal account is part of the statistics shown in present day America. Present day statistics have shown that alcohol has been a leading cause of car crashes in the U.S. in a 2002 study provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The number of alcohol related car crashes in 2000 is extremely high and has cost the government a large amount of money.“ Alcohol-involved crashes resulted in 16,792 fatalities, 513,000 nonfatal injuries, and $50.9 billion in economic costs…accounting for 22 percent of all crash costs (Seay 2).” Many underreported accidents caused by alcohol are not included in the 2000 study. “Police correctly identified 42 percent of drivers who had been drinking (Seay 34).” An astonishing 58 percent of drivers that might have potentially been drinking were not given any kind of test. Some scientists have developed plans to put an end to drinking and driving. Dr. Ralph Hingson has said, “Ongoing education, improved enforcement, and comprehensive community programs can reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths even further (Hingson 219-226).” There have been efforts to reduce the amount of alcohol-related traffic deaths but the number is still too high. People must work together to maintain a healthy society where alcohol does not affect the lives of others.
While society remains in shambles due to drinking and driving, the economy is becoming an extreme issue as well. Some politicians would argue that drunk driving is only a small increment of the United States government’s debt of over $9 trillion. But, by eliminating the ever-growing costs of drunk driving and liabilities, the government can spend money on things that it actually needs rather than poor judgments and decisions. Perhaps on welfare or social security but the government could save an extra $50 million by eliminating issues due to drunk driving. It seems as if it is a waste of money because the money going towards issues of drinking and driving is only paid because of actions performed by people that made irrational decisions.
Alcohol has been one of the leading causes of death among teenagers and alcoholics alike and has had a major impact on the United States’ society and economy. United States enforcement needs to be improved to put an immediate, if not gradual end to this issue that has affected thousands of people. It has harmed too many people emotionally or physically to be continued and it will remain an eminent issue in society today. If the United States wants to continue its reputation as one of the strongest nations in the world, drinking and driving must be put to an end. Unfortunately, drinking and driving will not be eliminated immediately because Americans are slow to recognize precautions. After one drink, Americans believe that they have the capability to drive but it is highly illegal. Drinking and driving is portrayed as a low key issue in today’s society but should be taken seriously to improve the American way of living.
The Economic and Social Impacts of Drunk Driving
Drinking and driving is and will continue to be a leading issue in today’s society. Drinking and driving affects thousands and thousands of people physically and mentally. Teenagers throughout the United States have begun to experiment with alcohol and have caused a far too large number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries. Teenagers are not the only ones that are causing the issue of driving while intoxicated. Alcoholics, who will deny the fact that they have a drinking problem, have also caused numerous traffic fatalities and law enforcers are not being as strict as they need to be to put an end to drinking and driving.
The current law enforcement in the Unites States is lacking the ability to punish criminals. One of the goals of the U.S. law enforcement is to crack down on drinking and driving by pressuring or threatening those who commit the crime of drinking while intoxicated or under the influence. The affects that drinking and driving have on one also affect that person’s family and ultimately impact the United States’ economy. It may be too late, but steps need to be taken throughout the United States to secure the safety of society and to protect America’s reputation as one of the strongest nations in the world.
In Gerald D. Robin’s “Waging the Battle Against Drunk Driving,” examined are the effects of alcohol on the mind, body, and soul. Robin’s book incorporates the measures that need to be taken to “crackdown drunk driving (Robin 109).” The author refers to “general deterrence,” which is the process by which laws are improved to rid the issue of drunk driving, to be used when one is convicted of drinking and driving. Year over year, the number of fatalities due to drunk driving exceed the number of murders there are. “Drunk drivers maim more innocent victims than all assault street criminals combined (Robin 6).” The harsh realities of drinking and driving seem unreal, but they are extremely truthful. Any act of drinking and driving, even though it may only be one drink, is an extremely serious crime and the consequences, although severe, are going to get worse. General deterrence must be made stronger in order to keep drunk drivers off of the roads.
In reality, drunk driving can affect the lives of many even though no one was injured physically. Impaired driving has caused deprived lives for many Americans. For example, one September night, Cam Johnson was arrested for having one drink with her friends and she decided that she would drive them home. Unfortunately, Johnson was illegally intoxicated and suffered major consequences. Johnson rarely drank alcohol and she even stressed the importance of not drinking especially if you to decide to drive to her children. “She feels like an outcast in her own family (Sun A01).” She was embarrassed and nearly shunned away by the ones that once loved her. Johnson’s friends and family viewed her as a horrible person with an alcohol problem when she rarely even drinks. With the costs of damage done emotionally, the single crime of getting a DUI can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. “Her marriage has collapsed, in part because of arguments about the thousands of dollars her arrest has cost (Sun A01).” The affects of Johnson’s action led to problems that she would have never even thought of if it were not for the single drink that she had.
Cam Johnson’s personal account is part of the statistics shown in present day America. Present day statistics have shown that alcohol has been a leading cause of car crashes in the U.S. in a 2002 study provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The number of alcohol related car crashes in 2000 is extremely high and has cost the government a large amount of money.“ Alcohol-involved crashes resulted in 16,792 fatalities, 513,000 nonfatal injuries, and $50.9 billion in economic costs…accounting for 22 percent of all crash costs (Seay 2).” Many underreported accidents caused by alcohol are not included in the 2000 study. “Police correctly identified 42 percent of drivers who had been drinking (Seay 34).” An astonishing 58 percent of drivers that might have potentially been drinking were not given any kind of test. Some scientists have developed plans to put an end to drinking and driving. Dr. Ralph Hingson has said, “Ongoing education, improved enforcement, and comprehensive community programs can reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths even further (Hingson 219-226).” There have been efforts to reduce the amount of alcohol-related traffic deaths but the number is still too high. People must work together to maintain a healthy society where alcohol does not affect the lives of others.
While society remains in shambles due to drinking and driving, the economy is becoming an extreme issue as well. Some politicians would argue that drunk driving is only a small increment of the United States government’s debt of over $9 trillion. But, by eliminating the ever-growing costs of drunk driving and liabilities, the government can spend money on things that it actually needs rather than poor judgments and decisions. Perhaps on welfare or social security but the government could save an extra $50 million by eliminating issues due to drunk driving. It seems as if it is a waste of money because the money going towards issues of drinking and driving is only paid because of actions performed by people that made irrational decisions.
Alcohol has been one of the leading causes of death among teenagers and alcoholics alike and has had a major impact on the United States’ society and economy. United States enforcement needs to be improved to put an immediate, if not gradual end to this issue that has affected thousands of people. It has harmed too many people emotionally or physically to be continued and it will remain an eminent issue in society today. If the United States wants to continue its reputation as one of the strongest nations in the world, drinking and driving must be put to an end. Unfortunately, drinking and driving will not be eliminated immediately because Americans are slow to recognize precautions. After one drink, Americans believe that they have the capability to drive but it is highly illegal. Drinking and driving is portrayed as a low key issue in today’s society but should be taken seriously to improve the American way of living.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Students Against Destructive Decisions
http://www.sadd.org/
Students, like parents, are taking action to prevent their peers from drinking and driving.
A letter to SADD:
November 27, 2007
SADD National
255 Main
Street Marlborough, MA 01752
1-877-SADD-INC
Fax 1-508-481-5759
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Gillian Liddicoat and I am currently an 18-year-old freshman at Eckerd College. I support the Students Against Destructive Decisions program but several things have startled me when I looked at your website.
The SADD online webpage states: “SADD does not believe that it is possible to break the law responsibly. SADD and its chapters do not support or condone activities that encourage or enable the use of alcohol by underage young people, including the following activities: Designated Driver programs for underage young people and Safe Rides programs.” I believe, on the other hand, that programs that involve a designated and sober driver are extremely worthwhile.
The SADD mission claims that it seeks not to alienate those who make destructive decisions, but rather to inform and educate them of the harms and dangers of the decisions that they make. If for some reason a student decides to make a poor decision of drinking underage, why would it not be a good decision to designate a driver to stay sober? Ultimately staying sober would be the best and smartest decision, but if staying sober to help out a friend would be the case, is that a crime? I just find it strange that a decision to be a designated driver would be the wrong decision to make.
I hope that you understand where I am coming from with my point of view. As a college student I fully support most of SADD’s efforts because I would like my peers and fellow students to acknowledge wrong decisions. Thank you for your time and I would love to hear your feedback.
Gillian Liddicoat
Eckerd College
P.O. Box 1085
4200 54th Ave. S.
Saint Petersburg FL 33711
Students, like parents, are taking action to prevent their peers from drinking and driving.
A letter to SADD:
November 27, 2007
SADD National
255 Main
Street Marlborough, MA 01752
1-877-SADD-INC
Fax 1-508-481-5759
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Gillian Liddicoat and I am currently an 18-year-old freshman at Eckerd College. I support the Students Against Destructive Decisions program but several things have startled me when I looked at your website.
The SADD online webpage states: “SADD does not believe that it is possible to break the law responsibly. SADD and its chapters do not support or condone activities that encourage or enable the use of alcohol by underage young people, including the following activities: Designated Driver programs for underage young people and Safe Rides programs.” I believe, on the other hand, that programs that involve a designated and sober driver are extremely worthwhile.
The SADD mission claims that it seeks not to alienate those who make destructive decisions, but rather to inform and educate them of the harms and dangers of the decisions that they make. If for some reason a student decides to make a poor decision of drinking underage, why would it not be a good decision to designate a driver to stay sober? Ultimately staying sober would be the best and smartest decision, but if staying sober to help out a friend would be the case, is that a crime? I just find it strange that a decision to be a designated driver would be the wrong decision to make.
I hope that you understand where I am coming from with my point of view. As a college student I fully support most of SADD’s efforts because I would like my peers and fellow students to acknowledge wrong decisions. Thank you for your time and I would love to hear your feedback.
Gillian Liddicoat
Eckerd College
P.O. Box 1085
4200 54th Ave. S.
Saint Petersburg FL 33711
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)