Warm weather comes, and a lot happens on the roads.  The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer due to an increase in fatal crashes.  According to SWITRS (Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System), 4,969 crashes in 2021 contained alcohol.  In 2022, there were 4,392 cases.  DUI cases went down, but people still drive drunk. 

A drunken driver hit me when I was 16 in 1992.  After years of hospitals and therapies I can walk and talk, but lost my hearing abilities and cannot drive.  For 30+years, each day is trying.  Planning to take Highway 99 to and from a party?  Do your part to end a tragedy that’s plagued communities for decades:   

-  If drinking, don’t risk it.  Too many drinking people believe they are sober when they are not.  Let a sober person or public transportation drive you.   

-  See a drunken friend stumble to a car to drive?  Stop that person!  Make arrangements for your friend to get home safely.

-  Save lives.  Call 911 to report an impaired driver.  Keep California’s roads safe.  

— Lori Martin