The Problem With Drunk Drivers

Rob McKinney

Contributor

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Drunk driving offenses are the number one cause of death on our highways . I recently attended a 24 hour class on DWI dection based on the guidelines set up by the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration (NHSTA) . The numbers were disturbing .

It is estimated one out of four drivers is impaired on a daily basis . In 2002 , alcohol-related fatalities rose to 17,419 representing 41 percent of all traffic fatalities .(NHSTA 2002 FARS data) . Impaired drivers take more risks and have slower reaction times than a sober driver . I encourage everyone not to drive impaired . The risks are just too great . Further , the legal issues are enormous such as criminal and civil punishment .