Dear Drunk Driver,
I won’t pretend to know what you were thinking when you slammed into the back of that car. I don’t think I can wrap my head around the decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while drunk, drinking or even only “just had a few.” There is no excuse: You were in the wrong.
We worry when family members are on the road and we worry when friends are on the road. We live in a selfish generation that isn’t concerned with the consequences of their actions. For this reason, we worry. We worry because our loved ones could be gone in an instant, and someone else could be responsible. Someone else can be the reason that your mom can’t be at your graduation; someone else could be the reason that your dad can’t be at your wedding someday. But what you’re forgetting is that you could be the reason for the same thing. You, the driver who thinks they’re “sober enough,” could ruin someone’s life. Don’t think you’re special; don’t think it can’t happen to you.
Do you know what you’re risking? Not only your life but someone else’s life. There may be a funeral next week because of you. One less place setting at a dinner table every night because of you. Hearts will be broken and loved ones lost because of you. Memories will be tainted by the absence of those taken from us too soon. There will be too many moments in life where happiness is interrupted by the constant reminder that something, someone, is missing.
Maybe you’re a great guy, Mr. Drunk Driver. Maybe you made one bad choice in the middle of a lifetime of great choices. Maybe you feel such remorse that it will never, ever happen again. I hope so.
The next time you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you should think about the consequences for yourself and for others. Lives shouldn’t have to be broken apart or taken away all for selfish reasons that didn’t include a sober driver.
Sincerely,
Someone hurt by your actions