Alcohol abuse is a potential problem for everyone in our society. Soberfest was held on campus Tuesday to draw attention to drunk driving. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol is involved in about 1600 homicides and 300 suicides among those under the age of 21. The NIAAA also says that about 1600 persons under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries.

Many people have also lived through the tragedy of drunk driving related accidents. The truth is that drunk driving is not a good choice. People in college are expected to have intelligence, they made the move to improve themselves by attending to their mental health, yet it sometimes seems like a joke.

A person’s judgment is impaired when they drink alcohol. It may seem like one can drive, right up until the moment they miss the ignition. A real friend wouldn’t let a driver get that far.

There are ways to make sure that those who are around you don’t drive drunk. If you are the responsible person at a party, have a bowl for keys right inside the door. Make your guests ask for their keys back before they can drive away.

Another way to prevent drunk driving is by trading off with a group of friends. Take turns being the designated driver. That way no one feels like they are always the sober one, and as a group you make sure to take care of each other.

Those who have dealt with the frightening reality of drunk driving know that there is little that can be done to convince a drunk person of the level of their impairment. Having a plan for the night before commencing drinking will solve lots of potential problems ahead of time.