Down With DUIs

How You Can Help Stop People From Driving Drunk

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

One of my friends was just killed by a drunk driver and I've been doing a lot of research so that I can try to do something to help bring the number of DUIs down. Unfortunately it seems that no matter what law enforcement does, the number of DUIs are not going down. I know it sounds depressing, but do you think we've reached a point where we can't do anything to lower the number of people killed in drunk driving accidents?

Sincerely,

Don't Drive Drunk

A:

Dear Don't Drive Drunk,

Law enforcement is not supposed to solve the problem. They are just there to enforce the laws. The problem is people are drinking and driving. There are lots of ways to try and solve the problem, but looking to law enforcement to solve the problem is not the answer.

How DUIs can be prevented:

* People do what they want to do. Making drinking and driving and DUIs unpopular is part of a solution. Limos, cabs, taxis, and other driving services have to be made "sexy" and desirable so that people want to stop driving under the influence. Pretending to be sober enough to drive has got to go out of fashion in order to begin the end of DUIs.

* Families and community members can choose not to get into a car of someone who's been drinking and driving -- NOT just when they're drinking, but ever. If drivers who drink while they're driving are shunned at all times -- not just when they're partying, they'll become socially unacceptable. Peer pressure for people of all ages works.

* People can choose to pressure elected officials to make laws punishing DUI convicts, tougher.

If DUIs are a problem there are different ways to attack the problem, but when blame is placed on law enforcement, the problem will remain in effect. I promise.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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