Editorial

"Verona Man Arrested for Seventh Drunk Driving Offense"

"Seven People Injured in Drunk Driving Crash"

"Lodi Man Arrested for Sixth Drunk Driving Offense"

These are just a few of the headlines from news releases I receive almost every day from the Dane County Sheriff's Office. It is amazing to me that people with multiple arrests for drunk driving offenses are still driving cars! So many of these news releases involve repeat offenders. Many report that "speed, alcohol, and seatbelt use are factors in the crash."

Many repeat offenders are adults, but young drivers are also involved in a large number of traffic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, youth between 15 and 20 are killed in traffic crashes at twice the rate of the general driving population. Alcohol is involved in over 35 percent of these crashes.

Respect life issue. Safe driving is really a respect life issue, but I would guess many of us don't consider that. We hold the lives of ourselves, passengers, other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians in our hands each time we drive a car.

Even the Holy Father talked about the importance of driving recently. Pope Benedict XVI prayed that drivers, especially young drivers, would exercise more prudence behind the wheel and show greater respect for "rules of the road." He offered prayers for those killed or injured in traffic accidents and their families. He also asked governments to ensure their roads are safe and promote traffic safety to protect human life.

Talk and act on safe driving. Since this is the season of high school prom, graduation parties, and weddings, it's an especially important time to talk about driving safely. Parents especially should discuss safe driving with their teenage children. Set rules regarding post-prom parties; limit the number of passengers in a car; and be on call for a ride home.

Adults should also set a good example for safe driving. Buckle your seatbelt and make sure all your passengers wear them, even if they complain. Don't start your car until the seatbelts are fastened. And don't drive after drinking alcohol. Choose a designated driver.

Pledge to mothers. This Mother's Day, we might make a pledge to all mothers to drive safely. Let's ensure that they won't have to suffer the loss of their children through drunk driving as so many - like Joan Magette pictured with this editorial [print edition only] - have.

Mary C. Uhler

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