The Pros And Cons Of Drive Or Survive

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Drive or Survive
People form decisions every day that affect the lives of others. Driving under the influence is a major decision people undertake that can lead to serious repercussions. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are involved in driving under the influence accidents (MADD). Each of these accidents could have been prevented had those involved not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Granted, the problem with preventing these accidents is that people do not want to change their habits. They see nothing wrong with what they are doing and continue on with their lives. However, these repeated offenders are up to four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash killing oneself or someone else (“Repeat”). It is only …show more content…

The money currently being paid by offenders works its way into the State General Fund (Annicchiarico and Giancarlo). This State General Fund money is used by the state to improve state funded programs. Some of these state programs include driver education, special education, food services, and professional development all work to compose a better place for its citizens (“USD”). Increasing these fines would bring more money into the State General Fund to be used for state. This allows for the cash flow to be redirected and would help more people than are currently being supported now. Imposing higher fines for DUI offenses would not only work to deter crime, but would also prove to be beneficial to the citizens of each respective …show more content…

These prevention methods are simple ways to inflict greater penalties against those who believe that driving under the influence is not a substantial deal, because it is. In 2014, almost 10,000 Americans were killed in driving under the influence accidents, making up about a third of all traffic related deaths that year (“Impaired”). This number excludes the people involved in driving under the influence accidents that survived, and the family, friends, or communities affected. It is heartbreaking to observe that people today are selfish enough to think only of themselves and what they want. Placing oneself behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence is bound to come with consequences eventually. The best way to avoid these consequences is to take oneself out of the situation to begin with. Finding a ride home with a sober driver, calling a cab or a friend, or simply staying where you are at and find a place to crash for the night nearby are the easiest ways influenced driving can be avoided. Nonetheless, there are people who require more action to be taken. The lengthening of time spent in jail, the increase of fines, and the use of ignition interlock devices will force more of these people to rethink their actions and abstain from operating a vehicle

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