Quotes About Drinking and Driving That Saves Lives
Actor and NFL star Lawrence Taylor once said, “driving under the influence of alcohol, or ‘drunk driving,’ is by far the most commonly encountered offense in the courts today.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that one person dies every 52 minutes from a drunk driving incident. That’s about 28 people per day. Attorneys have become specialists in DWIs, DUIs, and OUIs because of the very need for their defense when accidents occur.
Many of us believe that having one or two drinks doesn’t alter our minds enough to affect our driving ability. That’s simply untrue, of course. If you drink and drive or have been in trouble for drinking and driving, consider applying these quotes to YOUR life. They may keep you and others safe on the road.
On-Point American Proverb
We often joke about accident-prone people. Perhaps, we adopt a comical stance and make a big production out of running into a wall. Then, we ask, “Is the wall okay?” The quote below, while humorous, makes a good point.
A tree never hits an automobile except in self-defense.
Remember that trees don’t “attack” cars or jump out of nowhere. Our decisions can decide our fate in life. When faced with the decision to drink and drive, we must choose to err on the side of caution. In other words, we must take responsibility for our actions and avoid endangering others.
Truth in Humor
It’s human to be dissatisfied with our lot in life. When our lives don’t measure up to what we expect, we may engage in self-destructive behavior. Humorist Evan Esar (1899-1995), who regularly commented on the human condition, understood this completely.
Most of those who are driven to drink, make the trip in the driver’s seat.
Our self-destructive behavior may not stop at the wheel. Our personal lives may be in a state of turmoil. And, despite our misgivings about drinking and driving on the road, we continue along this destructive path without hesitation. Often, we make the mistake of believing that the only person we hurt is ourselves.
Thinking of Others
When we are young, we believe that we are invincible and that nothing can hurt us. Unfortunately, some of us never grow out of that way of thinking. Sometimes, especially when drinking, some fail to think of others.
Remember that “Sorry” won’t bring your friend back to life. Choose someone responsible to drive you home. Be safe and focus on staying alive.
Not only does the above quote make perfect sense, but it also rhymes. Accidents can happen at any time and in the blink of an eye. It’s easier to get a designated driver than apologize to someone’s family for taking the life of their loved one.
Self-Awareness and Consequences
Education is essential and learning new ways to become more aware is vital to our survival and the safety of those around us. Indeed, most of us don’t go out with a plan to endanger others on the road. Constitutional Law Professor James B. Jacobs explains it best:
The changing of attitudes and norms is the best hope for reducing drunk driving over the long run. If more people regarded drunk driving as irresponsible and dangerous, there would be less drunk driving, more informal control mechanisms, and more support for normal encounter measures.
We need to alter the dialogue around drinking and driving to change hearts and minds. Drinking while driving is hazardous. So, it should be a standard practice to have a designated driver or simply choose to stay home.
Put another way; there should be things in place to monitor or even modify our behavior if we aren’t positioned to do so ourselves. When Jacobs mentions “support for normal encounter measures” and “more informal control mechanisms,” he highlights the need for education, rehabilitative systems, and supportive measures to keep us from hurting ourselves and others.
As can be seen, the above quotes about drinking and driving bring truth to light about self-awareness and saving lives.
Supportive measures can include ignition interlock devices, which help you regain your independence and keep your job (the one you’ll need to pay your fines and court costs). All humor aside, driving while intoxicated is a serious topic, and an interlock device can help keep you accountable and safe.
If you or a loved one needs an ignition interlock device, contact us at 1-833-545-0368 for a quick, painless, and cost-efficient way to get back on the road. Spend more of your time driving rather than fiddling with a generic interlock device. At RoadGuard Interlock, our robust ignition interlocks will provide peace of mind when you drive.
Remember, always designate a driver, or have a backup plan so you can stay safe on the road. Drive soberly and safely: that’s half the battle won.
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