Drink Driving, Smoking and Our Children
Drink driving is a subject most people would have a view on, but rarely voice their opinion. The reason I believe this is because drinking alcohol is a socially acceptable pastime. Getting totally plastered is ok in lots of social circles. Needless to say alcohol has many health implications in the short and long term.
Today we live in a world where cigarettes are behind lock and key in the same packet design with gross pictures on the box to show what cigarettes will do to your health and not glamorise them to our children and that is rightly so. Interestingly though you can buy three bottles of wine for £10 or 24 bottles of beer for a fiver. This is totally double standards! Alcohol is as dangerous to our children as cigarettes yet we allow it to be glamorised and a fun activity to be part of. In my opinion we need to apply the same rules to alcohol as we do to cigarettes. To protect our children. Let’s face it if alcohol and cigarettes were invented today knowing how addictive they can be, they would be instantly banned from sale, but of course they are so immersed in society that will never happen.
So back to my original question. I personally think we should have a zero tolerance on drink driving. The fact that you are allowed to have one drink leaves it totally open to abuse. If you are driving then it should be simply no drinking alcohol at all. The big question for me is why won’t they do that?
There is no doubt over the years attitudes towards drink driving have changed. A story my mum related to me about my father back in the 1950’s was that he was totally drunk driving home and drove up an entrance that led to a railway track. He managed to put the car on the railway tracks and his punishment was a night in the police cells. He was released the following day. Very harsh, not!
In my 20’s I was living in Jersey, working the summer seasons for a car hire company. I was allowed to have a car to drive back and forth to work, but I was living the good life and partying hard and I was drinking whilst also driving. It was only a matter of time before I was caught and I was. My punishment was a one year ban, points on my license and a hefty fine.
Times have definitely moved on and today thank goodness the punishment is a lot harsher than ever and this is rightly so. Zero tolerance would most likely increase the amount of drink/driving incidents at first, but surely once people realise they simply won’t drink whilst driving. There will always be people who drink and drive the same as many people break the law in general.
My three older children have all passed their driving tests, but only one actually owns and drives a car. I have had a number of conversations on the drink driving with them and they all said they wouldn’t drink anything and then drive, but they are also aware of the dangers of drinking a lot on a night out and not driving to work the following morning, because of course the alcohol takes a period of time to leave your body.
So today our young people are more aware of the danger of drink driving and things have definitely moved on since my father was locked up for the night 60 or so years ago.
What I personally would like to see though is a complete zero tolerance on drink driving. Supermarkets to stop selling alcohol cheap and the whole drinking culture to be less glamorised.
Would love to know your thoughts.
32 Comments
Chloe
March 24, 2017 at 6:56 am
Hi, what a great read. If there is a complete ban it becomes very clear cut and there can be no excuses #ThatFridayLinky
Fran Back With a Bump
March 24, 2017 at 7:33 am
I agree on drink driving and if I’m driving I tend to never drink, a small glass of wine with a big meal at most but I’d rathet abstain. Thanks for hosting #thatfridaylinky
suz
March 24, 2017 at 9:40 am
I totally agree with you. The whole binge drinking culture in Britain today is frightening. I think drink driving is less acceptable today than it was but there’s still this idea that you can’t have had a good night out unless you’ve been so drunk that you don’t remember it. I would support a total ban on drinking and driving. That way there can be no confusion over how much you can drink.
Interestingly, my daughter is a driving instructor and there have been several students she’s had to refuse to take for a lesson because they turned up drunk! Doesn’t say much for the kind of driver they’re going to be.
relentlesslypurple
March 24, 2017 at 10:18 am
It’s shocking how many people are unaware they still aren’t capable to drive the morning after a drinking session! I completely agree with you though, there are far too many drink driving accidents happening. #thatfridaylinky
Then We Were Four
March 24, 2017 at 10:50 am
I agree, especially on the double standards part. I often wonder if alcohol were invented today would it be legal, or would it be placed on a controlled substance list? Our culture and society has ‘grown up’ with alcohol as part of it, which has made it more socially acceptable than some other drugs which have a less harmful effect (in the short or long term), and yet those other drugs are illegal.
As for a zero tolerance rule on drink driving – that’s definitely something I would support.
#thatfridaylinky
Then We Were Four
March 24, 2017 at 10:50 am
I agree, especially on the double standards part. I often wonder if alcohol were invented today would it be legal, or would it be placed on a controlled substance list? Our culture and society has ‘grown up’ with alcohol as part of it, which has made it more socially acceptable than some other drugs which have a less harmful effect (in the short or long term), and yet those other drugs are illegal.
As for a zero tolerance rule on drink driving – that’s definitely something I would support.
#thatfridaylinky
Anne
March 24, 2017 at 10:51 am
I agree with you. times have changed, I remember my boyfriend would get into his car after having a few drinks and think he was king of the road. I really don’t know how we didn’t get killed sometimes, or worse, kill someone else. But back then awareness was not so good and we didn’t think much about it. Until he did crash his car into a lamp post and get a fine and 2 year ban on driving. I would never drink and drive, and neither would my husband and I think awareness is much better now, although you are right too about alcohol being on show in the shops where tobacco is locked away.
#wotw
Sarah Howe @runjumpscrap
March 24, 2017 at 11:42 am
I never even dare drink a bit and drive as you just never know. There should be zero tolerance though, as it destroys so many lives. Great post and thanks for hosting x
Helen
March 24, 2017 at 11:50 am
I completely agree – after being involved in a serious car crash last year (not drink related though) I am now a firm believer of there being a no tolerance attitude to people who drink/drive, speed, break the driving laws. It can end in the worst possible situation, all of which can be preventable! #ThatFridayLinky
Helen x
Sharon Parry
March 24, 2017 at 11:54 am
I totally agree with you on this one. I will not drink at all if I am driving and my husband and 18 year old daughter feel the same. There are no excuses. #ThatFridayLinky
kristin mccarthy
March 24, 2017 at 12:04 pm
One poor choice to get on the road drunk could destroy so many lives. Scary.
#thatfridaylinky
Anne – Just Only Home
March 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm
We have a very strict attitude towards alcohol in general. It isn’t allowed in the house, nor is anyone under the influence. Alcoholism is a terrible problem in my husband’s extended family. Our children know the dangers and know we will do our best to help them if they are ever in a bad situation. Thanks for writing this. It really needs to be talked about!
Becca Farrelly
March 24, 2017 at 3:37 pm
Completely agree it should be zero tolerance in regards to drink driving! If I know I’m driving, I don’t even have anything. The shame and embarrassment of being caught is enough to put me off but I know far too many people take the ‘chance’! Now I’m a parent, its even more concerning that people think its perfectly acceptable to get in the car after having a drink!
#ThatFridayLinky
Laura Beresford
March 24, 2017 at 3:48 pm
I completely agree and want to expand it to include drug driving too. #thatfridaylinky
Becki Parsons
March 24, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Completely agree with you on a complete ban when driving. Anything that affects your ability to react appropriately and quickly shouldn’t be an option. #ThatFridayLinky
Lisa Pomerantz
March 24, 2017 at 4:44 pm
I am not a drinker, never have been , never want to be — A pint of ice cream is much more my style. Either way, I am with you on the zero tolerance rules. Life should not be taken for granted. Thanks for this great post! #ThatFridayLinky
Karen, the next best thing to mummy
March 24, 2017 at 6:19 pm
I agree wholeheartedly, drinking and driving should be zero tolerance, there is no excuse, it’s simple, if you are planning on having a drink, then don’t take your car, I am proud to say, it is something I have never and would never do
five little doves
March 24, 2017 at 6:32 pm
I completely agree about a zero tolerance. I very rarely drink, but if I did I wouldn’t even dream of driving. After one small glass of wine, which probably wouldn’t take me over the limit, I am definitely not fit to drive, which supports my opinion that there should be zero tolerance. Far too many people think they are okay to drive, until it’s too late. There is no excuse for drinking and driving, if you can’t wait until you get home to have a drink, take a cab! #thatfridaylinky
Dad
March 25, 2017 at 9:15 am
Alcohol is such a complex issue. You’re right about the way it is completely engrained in most western cultures. I have always enjoyed a drink, but I have always been very careful when it comes to driving. I don’t see any reason for taking any chances with an activity that is so dangerous. While things overall have changed for the better, it seems there will still always be those who are reckless enough to endanger others. I wish I knew how that could change. #ThatFridayLinky
Andrew (One Daddy’s Blog)
March 26, 2017 at 12:44 am
The culture that has bred around alcohol here in Aus is disturbing. We have a culture of binge drinking and alcohol fueled violence, when we hear about other cultures where violence related to alcohol rarely happens. I worry how my daughter will grow up with all this alcohol advertising around her and the culture that has been bred here in Australia.
Heather Keet
March 26, 2017 at 9:48 am
I agree there needs to be less glamorizing of it for teens and young people and zero tolerance is a must! Too many people who kill others when they drink and drive have been arrested multiple times in their past for similar offenses, the only difference being that they didn’t kill someone. We need to stop them before they kill someone! #ThatFridayLinky
Jenn @ Mad Mommy
March 26, 2017 at 4:41 pm
I agree on the drinking and driving thing, however, I feel like the double standard is exaggerated. I know far more smokers than drinkers, and the price, packaging and constant health issues have done nothing to deter them. At least there are support programs for alcohol and it is treated like a real addiction. #ThatFridayLinky
Helena
March 26, 2017 at 5:23 pm
I agree that there should be a zero tolerance and it should be treated like smoking. #ThatFridayLinky
jeremy@thirstydaddy
March 26, 2017 at 8:53 pm
Somebody called thirstydaddy would probably come across as a bit hypocritical if I was too anti-booze. Our teen isn’t driving yet, so for now I’m much more concerned about all the bad things that can happen to a young, drunk girl at a party. I often tell her that starting smoking is one of the biggest regrets of my life. There simply is no justifiable reason for them to still be for sale
ohmummymia
March 26, 2017 at 9:16 pm
for me is zero tolerance. The worst part is that you can harm not only yourself but some other people and than how you can be able to live normal?
#ThatFridayLinky
Helen Gandy
March 27, 2017 at 8:42 pm
I will have 1 drink and 1 drink only if I’m driving, I believe that even if they do a ban for complete ban people would still sadly drink and drive. I strongly think it is about education and starting that educating early within schools and being graphic! Thanks for hosting #ThatFridayLinky
Jaki
March 27, 2017 at 9:29 pm
I’d never made the comparison between cigarettes and alcohol before but you are completely right. And yes there should be zero tolerance on alcohol and driving. There is just no need. #ThatFridayLinky
Michelle Goodwin
March 28, 2017 at 3:49 pm
I agree with you. I think drink driving should be banned completly abused #ThatFridayLinky
Peachy and her Mommy
March 29, 2017 at 3:56 pm
I don’t really drink. In the past two years I’ve had one drink. I drank more in my younger days and I used to smoke too. I’ve been smoke free for about 2 years. I quit before becoming a mom.
That being said, I think it’s everyone’s own choice what they do with their bodies and I am against inflating prices and scare tactics to manipulate people into what lifestyle they choose for themselves. There is also a big difference between cigarettes which are only harmful, and alcohol which actually does have some benefits when used responsibly. Drunk driving on the other hand is completely unacceptable as it affects the rights of other people who might not want to be plowed down by some irresponsible fool. #ThatFridayLinky
Autumn’s Mummy
March 29, 2017 at 4:34 pm
I agree, even a small amount of alcohol can affect your ability to respond quickly enough. It’s stupid how cigarettes are locked away, yet alcohol is out on the shop floor and there are adverts on TV. I’d like to see plain labelling etc. on alcohol too. Our binge drinking culture is horrific and I think steps need to be taken. #ThatFridayLinky
Mrs Mummy Harris
March 30, 2017 at 8:22 pm
I agree with the zero tolerance thing definately. I dont drive but if i did, i’ve always said id never drink and drive as i know im such a lightweight that just one affects my senses and id be so scared i’d do something bad!
I dont agree with the increased prices though just because as someone who doesnt drive and know many people who also dont drive, it ruins it for us.
I also dont drink whilst Ben is awake. I may have one celebratory glass with relatives for a special occasion but I ensure Hubby is there sober to watch him. I dont want him to see alcohol as something that is common and easily accessible but for a celebration. However i am sure when he becomes a teen he’ll find a field with his friends to drink cheap booze like we all have haha! #thatfridaylinky
David – Potty Adventures
March 31, 2017 at 7:15 am
I agree: zero tolerance is the way ahead. There’s too much of a grey area at the moment and people go with the attitude that they’ll be ok. Great post mate.
#thatfridaylinky