SAN ANGELO – As the countdown to a new year begins, the joyous celebrations of New Year's Eve come with a sobering reminder of the devastating human costs associated with drinking and driving. While festivities mark the transition to a hopeful 2024, the repercussions of driving while intoxicated (DWI) loom as a shadow over the revelry.
Each year, an alarming statistic highlights the grim reality: approximately 14,000 lives are lost on US highways due to alcohol-related crashes. That's one every 39 minutes. Beyond the staggering loss of life, the economic toll for those involved in DWI incidents is substantial. The average cost of a DWI stands at a staggering $17,00; attorneys fees are about $9,000 of that alone. For many, living paycheck to paycheck in this unforgiving economy, this financial burden can lead to the loss of jobs, homes, and careers, amplifying the human toll of these preventable incidents.
Amidst the celebrations, law enforcement agencies, including police, sheriffs' deputies, and state troopers, are actively deployed to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens and protect properties from the hazards posed by intoxicated driving.
Yet, amidst this sobering reality, there exists a simple solution: ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. These convenient alternatives provide a safe and affordable means of transportation, with the average ride costing a mere $20. In areas like San Angelo, where ample Uber and Lyft drivers operate, accessibility to a responsible ride home is within reach for all celebrants.
As the clock ticks towards the new year, the message remains clear: don't become another statistic. The opportunity to start 2024 with a clean slate and the chance to surpass personal aspirations exists by making responsible choices. The decision to refrain from drinking and driving not only safeguards individual lives but also fosters a safer and brighter future for everyone.
Let this New Year's Eve serve as a reminder—a reminder to cherish life, safeguard oneself and others, and to make responsible choices. Let's welcome 2024 with celebrations that honor life and promise hope, free from the tragedies born of impaired driving. Raise a toast to a better tomorrow and commit to the safety of all by choosing not to drink and drive.
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Comments
Waiting for the booking report of inevitable idiots who don't care.
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PermalinkThis sort of PSA-style advice goes without saying. And it's not like a news publication can just come out and say, "This Christmas, snort cocaine and race around the loop at top speed, trying to push your opponents off of the road from the inclines up to the overpasses so that they fly into the air and explode theatrically upon crashing into the ground."
No matter how much they really, really want to. Not even if there's cocaine in San Angelo—and there is! Lots of it. Ask around. There's a whole cartel pipeline in the area coming from the area of the not-too-distant border. Just ask around.
But that isn't your concern. Your concern is the beef you've had with that wannabe who thinks his car is faster than yours. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Maybe he's the better driver, with a better car, because he's a better man than you are. Not that you aren't the "bigger person" for giving up after he OBVIOUSLY intends everything he said as a diss.
I guess you could try to prove yourself...
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