The Friday Files! - Page 2

AzNMpower32 · #11 02-23-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

Are DUIs more prevelant these days than in the past or is it just more publicized these days? Alchahol and automobiles have both been around for a very long time, so I'd just like to know if any causality can be inferred from the various stats.

+1. Our county has sponsored this "15 minutes" program for many years for all the HS kids. To be perfectly honest, I think they're overdoing it a bit. I feel it's a kid's own responsibility to make his/her own decisions. If they make a bad choice, they need to accept the consequences. Many times they get lucky, but I feel that we're knowledgeable enough at this age to understand the great risk you take with DUI. The media attention with teenage "bad driving" is getting a bit on my nerves. They blow teenage incidents out of proportion and that makes the rest of us look like criminals.

For the record, I dont drive and drive, nor do I support it. However, I don't feel it's my duty to force other teens to act a certain way. When my friends tell me "oh I was drunk driving last night and nothing happened", I shrug it off and say "That's good. Just keep in mind, you realize it's very risky". That's my kind of response for all the stuff my friends might do. I always make the public announcement to friends "Remember to follow and obey posted speed limits and wear a seat belt"..........knowing full well they won't give a damn. And then when they come back whining about a speeding ticket or a stop-sign ticket, I just say "spare me the details. It's not like I didnt warn you"

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statdoc · #12 02-24-2007, 12:47 AM

I was hit by a drunk underaged driver 5 years ago. Two operations then, another in a couple months for some of the long-term problems I was left with. Anything that can be done to decrease such issues, and worse, for others is a good thing.

X5SA · #13 02-24-2007, 03:01 AM

A law was just passed here to allow the state to confiscate vehicles of repeat drunk driving offenders. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click...05140&set_id=1 . If this gets one drunk off the road it is great.

PersonaNonGrata · #14 02-24-2007, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

+1. Our county has sponsored this "15 minutes" program for many years for all the HS kids. To be perfectly honest, I think they're overdoing it a bit. I feel it's a kid's own responsibility to make his/her own decisions. If they make a bad choice, they need to accept the consequences. Many times they get lucky, but I feel that we're knowledgeable enough at this age to understand the great risk you take with DUI. The media attention with teenage "bad driving" is getting a bit on my nerves. They blow teenage incidents out of proportion and that makes the rest of us look like criminals.

For the record, I dont drive and drive, nor do I support it. However, I don't feel it's my duty to force other teens to act a certain way. When my friends tell me "oh I was drunk driving last night and nothing happened", I shrug it off and say "That's good. Just keep in mind, you realize it's very risky". That's my kind of response for all the stuff my friends might do. I always make the public announcement to friends "Remember to follow and obey posted speed limits and wear a seat belt"..........knowing full well they won't give a damn. And then when they come back whining about a speeding ticket or a stop-sign ticket, I just say "spare me the details. It's not like I didnt warn you"

I have to disagree with you. Sorry that the media makes the teenager population out to be a menace on the roads but by and large, teens are dangerous drivers. Statistics support it and common sense support it. Of course there are some very good and responsible teen drivers but think about the knuckleheads at your school and how many really aren't safe on the roads. The fact that you are responsible and safe driver will reward you with no accidents and a good driving record.

I wholeheartedly disagree with your ambivalence to your friends and classmates drinking and driving. That ambivalence is what perpetuates the problem. It is your responsibility as a human being, as their friend, and as someone who drives on the same roads as those driving under the influence you MUST make an effort to educate them and ultimately stop them. You must not turn a blind eye to it. That kid could wind up killing someone you know, someone you love, or even you. Your admonition to not drink and drive and telling them about the dangers of it may not change the person's mind but you've got to try. If you have a chance to make a difference you have to take it.

I'm off my soapbox now.

PersonaNonGrata · #15 02-24-2007, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

Kevin, great write-up and great pics from the game! The view from those seats is fantastic. I've never been to a hockey game- this is good motivation.

Are DUIs more prevelant these days than in the past or is it just more publicized these days? Alchahol and automobiles have both been around for a very long time, so I'd just like to know if any causality can be inferred from the various stats.

Whether it be through your community or through mine, thanks for making the roads safer.

I think that there has always been drinking and driving. There was a higher tolerance of it in years past though. For instance, the legal limit in California and some other states is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration but it used to be 0.10%. I find that the older generation are less concerned about DUI. Perhaps there were less crashes because there was less traffic way back when.

Another factor may be that enforcement is much more stringent now. Back in the day there were surely more instances of cops allowing people to park their car and were driven home or allowed to call for a ride; maybe even allowed to walk home. Nowadays, there is little room for that because of the law, society's attitude towards DUI, and the potential liability of not arresting someone who could later kill someone. The worst possible case being a guy who was let go and who goes out immediately afterwards and hits/injures/kills someone. That has happened before.

I don't think there inference that can be made as to causation based on historical differences. I think it comes down to attitudes, the law, and the enforcement of the laws.

Quicksilver · #16 02-24-2007, 06:43 AM

I can hear the concern in you comments. But let's just look at what you said.

#1 I feel it's a kid's own responsibility to make his/her own decisions. If they make a bad choice, they need to accept the consequences.

Honestly that would be true if they had the experience to make correct responsible decisions. As it is they do not as borne out by your closing comments.

#2 "When my friends tell me "oh I was drunk driving last night and nothing happened", I shrug it off and say "That's good. Just keep in mind, you realize it's very risky". That's my kind of response for all the stuff my friends might do. I always make the public announcement to friends "Remember to follow and obey posted speed limits and wear a seat belt"..........knowing full well they won't give a damn. And then when they come back whining about a speeding ticket or a stop-sign ticket, I just say "spare me the details. It's not like I didnt warn you"

As you can see by your own comments, some of them are not responsible and thus make bad choices. So the key for those who don't get it is drive the point home. Overdo it if needed. Perhaps it will save a life.

Yes there are smart honest responsible kids out there. For them disclipine and correction are but a reminder of what they are already doing. For the rest; get the proverbial mallet & give them the wack they need to wake up and learn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

+1. Our county has sponsored this "15 minutes" program for many years for all the HS kids. To be perfectly honest, I think they're overdoing it a bit. I feel it's a kid's own responsibility to make his/her own decisions. If they make a bad choice, they need to accept the consequences. Many times they get lucky, but I feel that we're knowledgeable enough at this age to understand the great risk you take with DUI. The media attention with teenage "bad driving" is getting a bit on my nerves. They blow teenage incidents out of proportion and that makes the rest of us look like criminals.

For the record, I dont drive and drive, nor do I support it. However, I don't feel it's my duty to force other teens to act a certain way. When my friends tell me "oh I was drunk driving last night and nothing happened", I shrug it off and say "That's good. Just keep in mind, you realize it's very risky". That's my kind of response for all the stuff my friends might do. I always make the public announcement to friends "Remember to follow and obey posted speed limits and wear a seat belt"..........knowing full well they won't give a damn. And then when they come back whining about a speeding ticket or a stop-sign ticket, I just say "spare me the details. It's not like I didnt warn you"

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