According to the official statistics of Royal Thai Police during 1995 - 2002 over a hundred thousand people were killed in car accidents. Most victims were our young generation and more than half caused by drunk driving. These made an enormous economic cost for our country each year.
In car accidents, some were lucky to survive and were not disable. I was one of them. I think I'm very lucky to have a chance writing here because of surviving from a car accident fifteen years ago caused by a drunk driver. Since then, I consider to stop drunk driving.
Why does a drunk driver cause an accident? It is because alcohol decreases drivers' judgment, vision and reaction. If two people have two glasses of whiskey, alcohol affects individual differently. It depends on what individual has eaten; mood, metabolism, and the levels of fatigue and so on. That means if your friend can drink five glasses, you may not. Or tonight you might be able to drink four glasses but tomorrow you might be drunk after only two. Everybody knows that alcohol is very dangerous for driving. But there is a thing that is more dangerous than alcohol. What is it? It's your friend who let you drive drunk.
This is a true story that happened in New Jersey in July 2000; Kenneth Powell was awakened by a call from police in the middle of the night to pick up his friend, Michael Pringle, who was arrested for drunk driving. According to the law, Kenneth had to sign a release form stating that he would be responsible to take Michael home. But, he didn't. Kenneth returned Michael to his car at the arrest area which was directed the location by a police officer. Michael resumed driving when he reached his car because the police returned him car keys after the release. And then, what happened? An hour later, Michael crossed the centerline crashed with an oncoming car. He killed himself and the other driver, John Elliott, and also caused seriously injuring John's girlfriend.
From this case, even though you are not drunk, others can harm you. And if you love your friends, don't let them drive drunk. So, what can we do to stop drunk driving particularly on Friday nights or long holiday seasons like Songkran holidays?
First of all, when you have a party, I would like to suggest you to have a designated driver, a person who is a non-drinking driver (sober).
Second, beware of drunk drivers and if you spot them in streets, don't hesitate to report to the police to stop them immediately. They drive madly passing you and you are safe. But, the next may be the ones you know or your beloved one.
Next, support law enforcement for drunk driving. When the ones you know are arrested for drunk driving, don't use your connection with the police to help them. Support a campaign of the Ministry of Justice "Not only charged, but also arrested for drunk driving".
Lastly, promise to yourself to drive responsibly. Please don't be a pleasure seeker, a person who does things just for enjoyment without considering other people. Be a sensible person to drive responsibly. Ladies and Gentlemen, People's life in your hands, it's time to do it now, stop drunk driving.
Source: Toastmaster Speech Contest
Why shouldn't you hesitate to call the police when you spot drunk drivers?
Because they drive over the speed limit.
Because they may cause an accident.
Because they cannot drive home.
Because they annoy most people.