Mothers Against Drunk Driving

This site belongs to Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD), a voluntary and a non-profit organization that aims at stopping drunk driving. MADD is based in the United States and seeks to protect and support victims of drunken driving. Other objectives of the organization include acting against teen drinking and supporting stringent measures against dunk driving.

The organization was established in 1980 by its pioneer Candice Lightner, a mother whose child suffered a tragic death due to carelessness of a drunk driver. MADD has grown significantly since its establishment; at present has approximately six hundred state organizations.

The organization has community action teams in fifty states in United States. The organization has grown to penetrate Guam, Canada and Puerto Rico, where it has affiliates. MADDs membership and support is currently estimated at three million people in the US alone (Hamilton 90).

MADDs site is useful to the general public in countries where it has support and membership. It is useful to victims of drunken driving and to the families of the deceased victims as a result of drunk driving. In the US, MADD is the leading organization in campaign against drunk driving. The organization inception in 1980 was characterized by a change of publics perception towards effects of alcohol on drivers.

The organization was established after a thirteen year old girl was hit and killed by a notorious drunkard in California. Her mother contributed significantly to form and popularize the organization. She was joined by other women in the US to campaign against the lax system that had failed repetitively to deal with the infamous violent crime. Since its inception, MADD has aided the passing of anti-drinking, drunk driving, victims rights and underage drinking prevention acts and laws in the US (Hamilton 90).

Information from the site suggests that MADD is a very important global contributor in helping accident victims. Its leadership and organization is made of twenty-six members who act as the national board of directors. The leadership includes a youth director mandated to manage MADDs business and to carry out research to form the public policy positions.

The lawmaking agendas of MADD are guided by these policy positions. The policies guide in determination of relevant and effective actions against drunken driving challenges. In Texas, the MADDs National Executive Director manages the national office. This office is responsible for formation of public policies and design of awareness programs. The director oversees formation and execution of victims support and public relations programs.

MADDs funding is gathered from personal contributions, monetary gifts from corporations, governments aids and grants, foundations, promotions and licenses (Hamilton 90). In the website under sponsors link, MADD supporters are categorized under the following:

  • Presenting Sponsors: under this category, Nationwide Insurance is listed that encourages connection of parents and children to stop underage drinking. State Farm encourages formation of programs that involves teens in the fight against underage drinking.
  • Supporters: under supporters the General Motors Foundation and Auto Alliance Driving Innovation have been listed.
  • Contributing Sponsors: Aftermath, PM Solutions Group and Smart Sign have been listed under contributing sponsors.
  • Strategic Alliance Partners: Dial America contributes aid in magazine subscription sales. Hill Street Marketing partnership with MADD offers a variety of beverages with 0% alcohol. Knology Inc offers media support to MADDs campaigns.
  • Local Sponsors: under local supporters, companies like Bachus &Schanker, Goldberg &Osborne, Bell & Pollock and Hyundai have been listed (MADD 1).

The site has a media center link that is very informative and up to date. In the media centre, links to featured press release and MADDs statements have been provided. By following the link, MADD has provided an overview of the effectiveness of its programs and budgeting. MADD has provided information regarding the lives that have been saved and the positive impact derived by its programs.

MADD has highlighted the relevance and the success of its missions. United States has benefited and progressed in reducing deaths and injuries resulting from drunken driving. MADD notes that although road accidents and associated injuries have reduced, drunken driving crimes are still rampant (MADD 1).

From the website, I have learned that MADD is a non-profit organization, and therefore it faces the challenge of public endorsement. The organization also faces the challenge of changing the mindset of public regarding its ultimate message of not dinking and driving. However, MADD continues to strengthen the current laws and campaigning for new driving laws. MADDs factsheet available in the site is very informative.

Information about the latest life saving devices and their effectiveness is available in details. The factsheet also contains details of MADDs campaign against drunken driving that was introduced in 2006. The factsheet contains the details of upcoming technology in motor and insurance industry. Other important details include underage drinking facts, the drunken driving enforcement details and the statistics that rank drunk driving as the most often committed, vicious offense in the US (MADD 1).

In the website under victim services, comprehensive information concerning services provided by MADD to accident victims of drunken driving has been provided. MADD appreciates the lifelong effects of the injuries or deaths sustained in accidents; all these services are in line with this thought.

As stated under victim services, MADDs benevolence services benefits one victim every eight minutes in the United States; these services are free of charge. Under finding support, details of services that follow a crash are provided. In essence, MADD provides emotional support, legal aid, relevant references and support materials to victims. Legal aid includes advocacy in criminal justice system, accompanying them to court and preparation of legal documents (MADD 1).

The website contains comprehensive information covering the rights of victims. As the largest and most acknowledged victim service organization, MADD ensures that victims rights are observed. MADD advices victims as per the 2004 Victim Rights Act and assists in preparation of victims impact document and offenders notification.

A section of the website honors the victims or the survivors of drunken driving. Survivors and their families are honored and consoled; departed victims are honored to remember their contributions and to keep their good memories (MADD 1).

In my opinion, the site is very useful and I would consider using it later in an event that I become a victim of drunken driving. MADDs track record is commendable and its activities are based on informed decisions. After perusing the site, I found the site quite informative and helpful. MADD is a successful political movement organized around compelling issues of drunken driving. It is based on shared concerns of a particular social group, and has attempted to restore social order in the society.

Works Cited

Hamilton, Wendy. Mothers Against Drunk Driving: MADD in the USA. Injury Prevention (2000): 9091. Print.

MADD. MADD: History, Victim Services, Media Sponsors and Sponsors. 2012. Web.

Public Service Ads Against Drunk Driving

In 1983, the public service advertisement (PSA) campaign against drunk driving was released. The commercial called Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk was aired to raise awareness about the deadly consequences of driving under the influence. The PSA includes the imagery of glasses filled with alcoholic drinks crashing against each other with the sound of a car accident in the background (Ad Council & U.S. Department of Transportation, 1983). The commercial was targeting young adults with the intent to address the possible negative outcome of allowing close people to drive after drinking. The NHTSA is using PSA to convey a relevant message of dangers from drunk driving by appealing to viewers feelings of guilt and responsibility by using narration, sound, and imagery.

The Ad Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) originated the PSA campaign against driving under the influence in 1983 (The ANA Educational Foundation, n.d.). Therefore, Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk was the first product of these organizations partnerships. The NHTSA was established in 1968, with one of the main goals to promote safety on the road (Rabin, 2017). The need for the creation of this organization was due to the alarming number of fatalities during auto accidents was 5.5 deaths per hundred vehicle miles traveled (Rabin, 2017). Moreover, the percent of deaths based on the highest concentration of alcohol in drivers blood in 1982 was 50% (Rabin, 2017). Furthermore, experts estimated that every two Americans might be a part of alcohol-related driving accidents (The ANA Educational Foundation, n.d.). Therefore, the statistics suggest a lack of regulations and awareness about the consequences of drunk driving in the 1980s.

Drunk driving was addressed previously by the NHTSA as the ad was part of a more significant campaign. The Drunk Driving Prevention Campaign was aimed at raising awareness about the magnitude of the issues (The ANA Educational Foundation, n.d.). Besides drinking while very drunk, overall, about 50% of fatal car accidents were due to drivers under the influence of alcoholic substances (The ANA Educational Foundation, n.d.). Therefore, the plan Drinking & Driving Can Kill A Friendship was established to reach the target audience of young adults between the age of 16 and 24 (The ANA Educational Foundation, n.d.). The appeal to this audience is also understandable from the context of the ad, targeting people that are heavily influenced by their peers or in the context of ad friends. Moreover, this demographic is reported to cause 42% of all drunk driving deaths (The ANA Educational Foundation, n.d.). Overall, the ad was a part of a more significant awareness campaign; it also targeted teenagers and young adults.

Narration plays a vital role in this advertisement, as the text conveys the message alongside imagery and sound. The text begins with, When friends dont stop friends from drinking and driving&friends die from drinking and driving (Ad Council & U.S. Department of Transportation, 1983). Moreover, the phrase Friends die from drinking and driving is repeated, and the final message of the advertisement states, Friends dont let friends drive drunk (Ad Council & U.S. Department of Transportation, 1983). The target audience is influenced by the text, as it appeals to pathos using vivid language. The advertisement repeats the phrase friends die multiple times to emphasize the fatal results of drunk driving. Moreover, the text targets the audience not directly, but by emphasizing the danger of driving under the influence poses to their loved ones. Therefore, the audience is feeling personally responsible for allowing dangerous behavior. Overall, the excellent use of narration supports the NHTSAs campaign by appealing to the publics feelings of guilt for letting their friends be in danger.

Furthermore, the use of sound plays an essential role in communicating the information of the PSA. Aside from the narrators voice, the advertisements main sound effect is the noise of a car crash when glasses full of alcohol hit one another (Ad Council & U.S. Department of Transportation, 1983). However, when one of the drinks stops striking the other glass, the sound change of an accident stops (Ad Council & U.S. Department of Transportation, 1983). The target audience hears the word death and the uncomfortable sound of the binding metal and shattered glass. Thus, the viewers are influenced by the backgrounds graphic sound effects, while all they see is broken glass and a spilled drink. This plays a crucial role in presenting the possibility of fatality while only consuming some alcohol with friends. Moreover, the sound appears more significant because the accident is not portrayed on a screen. Therefore, this enables the audience to imagine the accident happening with their loved ones. Thus, anonymity makes the advertisement more personal, as a lack of specific details on a screen enables the viewers to attach the possible fatalities to their own lives. Overall, the sound of a car accident is a useful tool of PSA produced by NHTSA because it appeals to the viewers feelings of obligation.

Lastly, the imagery of the PSA is conveying the message of the harmful result of drunk driving. In the advertisement, viewers can see two hands hitting together two glasses with various alcoholic substances in them (Ad Council & U.S. Department of Transportation, 1983). The advertisement shows that the possible fatality might occur while taking drinks that are considered less strong, such as beer or a glass of wine. Thus, the images help the audience to understand the dangers of driving after drinking different beverages. Moreover, the background of the scene is entirely white, making the viewer focus directly on the drinks. The targeted audience sees that typically a joyful activity of clinking a glass with friends is followed by a violate shattering of the aforementioned glass. The viewers are influenced by what they see, as going to a bar, and partying have positive connotations; however, the imagery presents the audience with the other side of the coin. All in all, the symbolism of broken glass and spilled drinks is essential in the advertisement by NHTSA. It promotes recognition of the drunk driving problem by appealing to the publics feelings of responsibility.

To summarize, driving under the influence has been an essential topic in the United States since the 1980s. Since the nation was devastated by fatalities from drunk driving, the statistics were alarming. Therefore, the NHTSA collaborated with the Ad Council to develop an awareness campaign to improve the situation. The advertisement Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk was launched in 1983, which mainly targeted young adults. Since this group of individuals constituted a large percentage of drunk car accidents. Moreover, the PSA uses narration, sounds, and imageries, to appeal to the targeted audiences emotions, including guilt and obligation, to protect their loved ones from dangerous situations. The narration reiterated the message of death for the audience to remember the main danger at the moment of drinking. The sound effect of a car crash makes the audience uncomfortable because they will be making connections between drinking and the sound of death. Lastly, the imagery reinforces the danger of alcohol consumption by graphically shattering the glass. From a modern perspective, the advertisement still looks impressive and convincing, because of the apparent appeal to pathos that is still influential to a contemporary audience.

References

Ad Council., U.S. Department of Transportation. (1983). Friends dont let friends drive drunk [Advertisement]. YouTube. Web.

The ANA Educational Foundation. (n.d.). Drunk driving prevention (1983-present). Web.

Rabin, R. L., (2017). Pathways to auto safety: Assessing the role of the national highway traffic safety. Cambridge Univ. Press, pp. 297-321, Stanford Public Law Working Paper. Web.

Consequences of Drunk Driving: Overview of Situation in US and Possible Solutions

In 2016, more than 1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. That’s one percent of 111 million self-reported episodes of alcohol-impaired driving among the U.S. adults each year. Drinking and driving is never the way to go because people could injure or kill someone in just a matter of seconds. Then from there on people’s lives are going to change forever. If the accident had killed someone they’re gonna have to live with that guilt for the rest of their life. ​Drunk driving causes one of the serious problems affecting many people today, death from car accidents while, under the influence of alcohol, but there are multiple solutions to this problem.

Thankfully there are multiple solutions to this problem because it’s already an issue in today’s society. They have many drunk driving prevention organizations out there to help you, but I’m going to focus on 3 of them: ​Orillia Against Drunk Driving (OADD), National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Here Are 3 Organizations That Would Help Prevent Drinking While Driving:

  1. Orillia Against Drunk Driving (OADD), is a non-profit organization dedicated to the work to reduce and eliminate drinking and driving. Doug Abernethy founded Orillia Against Drunk Driving in November 1994 in memory of his brother Tim and that has helped give him hope and purpose. His hope and purpose were that he can help prevent any more deaths and injuries from occurring at the hands of drunk drivers, that will prevent any more families from suffering the consequences of drunk drivers through his involvement with Orillia Against Drunk Driving.
  2. National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD) is the leading advocacy organization in the world addressing alcoholism and drug dependence. Since its founding in 1944, NCADD has raised public awareness about addiction throughout the United States and increasingly across the global community. The fonder is Marty Mann, one of the first women to achieve sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, organized the National Committee for Education on Alcoholism (NCEA) in 1944, which later became the National Council on Alcoholism (NCA) in 1950, and then the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) in 1990 to address concern with other drugs.
  3. The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. MADD National President Helen Witty. Says her 16-year-old daughter, Helen Marie, was rollerblading on a bike path near our home when marijuana- and the alcohol-impaired teen driver ran off the road and struck her. Helen Marie died in an instant, violent death, and her life changed forever. MADD urges everyone to plan ahead for a safe ride home in advance of April 20, an unofficial cannabis holiday. On April 18, MADD will join law enforcement and traffic safety partners in Colorado — one of the first states to legalize recreational use of marijuana — to highlight the dangers of driving while impaired. In 1984, MADD changed their name to Mothers Against Drunk Driving to explain that their mission is about the action and not the person specifically (Effectiveness of Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

The OADD organization works to save lives that are tragically lost at the hands of drunk drivers through education and awareness. They are aggressively working to focus resources to inform people about the dangers of drinking while driving and the threat impaired drivers pose to the community. Until that threat can be reduced and hopefully one day can be eliminated (Abernethy). They use this device called Ontario Ignition Interlock, this device is for any driver who has committed and is subsequently convicted of a driving & driving offense. Then they will have a mandatory ignition interlock condition placed on their license.

This is how the device works before starting your vehicle, the driver must provide a breath sample. If the driver’s blood alcohol concentration is above the preset limit, the vehicle won’t start. Once the vehicle is started, the interlock device requires the driver to provide breath samples at random for preset times, while the engine is running. If they don’t provide, or their blood alcohol concentration exceeds the limit, the device will issue a warning. Then record the event and activate specific alarms within the interlock until the vehicle ignition is turned off. The length of time convicted offenders must use an ignition interlock device varies from the time of your convictions.

​Today there are more than 90 NCADD Affiliates across the United States, offering alcoholism and addiction recovery support services and policy/advocacy activities for individuals, families, and communities impacted by alcoholism and addiction. The good news is no matter how severe the alcohol or drug problem may seem, most people with a substance use disorder can benefit from some form of treatment. In the past, society viewed alcoholism and drug addiction as a moral flaw. Popular ‘treatments’ involved the imprisonment, sentencing to asylums, and church-guided prayer. Not surprisingly, these methods were generally ineffective. Today’s methods are effective, with 40-70% of patients getting treatment for drug abuse, remaining drug-free and about one-third of those who are treated for alcohol problems having no further symptoms 1 year later. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems.

There are four types of treatments they use: Behavioral, Medications, Mutual-support Groups, and Advice for Friends and Family Members. Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing behavior through counseling. They are led by health professionals and supported by studies showing they can are beneficial. There are three medications that are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse. They are prescribed by a primary care physician or other health professional and may be used alone or in combination with counseling. Mutual-support groups consist of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking Combined with treatment led by health professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. Then for advice for family and friends is you should be caring for the person who has problems with alcohol can be stressful. It is important that as you try to help your loved one, you find a way to take care of yourself as well. It may help seek support from others, including friends, family, community, and support groups.

The efforts of activities of MADD organization have captured the imagination of the print and electronic media. Therefore, the personal tragedies of many of these activists are widely known. It’s because their mediated messages have commanded our attention. Many of us now worry more about who will drive home after an evening of imbibing (Mark, p.1070). MADD encourages complete sobriety and abstinence from drinking. Drinking and driving do not mix, but people still do it. Programs and organizations like MADD help reduce instances of drunk driving, and prevent future alcohol-related crashes and deaths (Effectiveness of Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

Those 3 organizations were the main ones that stood out to me because, in each, there were people who have had A loved one killed from someone driving under the influence of alcohol or worst. It’s sad this has happened to multiple people all over the world, and they’re able to tell their story but me personally I don’t know what I would have done. Drinking while driving could lead to so many dangerous things so why do people do it? Maybe because they’re under the influence of alcohol or a substance. This is an open-minded question because people could answer this in many ways.

FACTS & STATISTICS:

With data from the U.S. department of transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol is a major factor in traffic accidents. There was an alcohol-impaired traffic fatality every 48 minutes in 2017. Alcohol-impaired crashes, are those that involve at least one driver or a motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC), of 0.08 grams per decilitre or above. The legal definition of impaired driving.

According to NHTSA 10,874 people died in alcohol or narcotics in 2017. Alcohol-impaired crash fatalities accounted for 29 percent of all crash fatalities (Insurance Organization Institute). In Utah, the BAC limit was lowered to 0.05 in December 2018. In addition, they all have zero tolerance laws prohibiting drivers under the age of 21 from drinking and driving. Generally the BAC in these cases is 0.02 grams per decilitre. Campaigns against alcohol-impaired driving especially target drivers under the age of 21, repeat offenders and 21-to 34-year-olds, the age group responsible for more alcohol-related fatal crashes than any other. Young drivers are those least responsive to arguments against impaired driving, according to NHTSA. Thirty-nine states have enacted laws or have case law that permit social hosts who serve liquor to people who subsequently are involved in crashes to be held liable for any injury or death (Insurance Organization Institute).

MY INPUT TO THIS PROBLEM

I feel they should increase the age for drinking alcohol to like 25 years old because you are more responsible and their mind is more developed. At the age of 21 people still have this young mindset, and they think it’s sweet to drink alcohol while driving. They think a good time must consist drinking and driving, nine-times outta ten there just thinking about themselves and not the over drivers. When people go out with friend they sometimes get peer pressured into drinking and their friend know that their the designated driver. Then when they turn them down they’ll say all come on live in the moment, sometimes that responsible friend would say know, or they’ll just do it. Not thinking of the consequences that are yet to come all because they want to listen to their friend and live in the moment. But if their older like 25 years old they’ll be way more responsible, and they’ll say: “I’ll all use a cab because we’re both drunk”. If they do that I guarantee those accident rates will go down only because there letting people they are more mature drink alcohol. Then again parents should teach their kids how to be more responsible will there drinking alcohol. People should already know that you shouldn’t drink while driving before they even get their driver’s license. To take awareness of this situation, people should be required to take a class on drinking while driving before their able to take their road test. This will not only help them but it will save lives and the accident rates will go down if they do this because the earlier you know the less likely you will do it.

MY SOLUTION

I’m going to create a law saying that you shouldn’t drink unless there 25 years old because at the age of 25 people are more mature. Creating a law is easy said than done because there are so many steps to go through in order for the law to be passed on. I know it will be a hard process to get this law passed on, so I’m going to strive for success. In order for me to get this law going I have to send it to the House of Representatives and give it to the clerk, so they could read it aloud. A bill can only become a law if it is passed by a majority vote in the House of Representatives and the senate. The bill must be agreed to in identical form by both chambers, and given royal assent by the governor-general. It is known as an act of parliament. Most bills are introduced into the house of representatives and then sent to the Senate. Bills my commence in the Senate, except for money and taxation bills (Parliament Education office). Most bills are introduced by Government ministers, however, other members of the parliament can introduce their own bills, known as private member or private senators’ bills. I’m going to connect with the people in the Senate, so they could take my bill serious, so it could get passed on as a bill, so the accident rates on driving while under the influence could become reduced. I know the deal breaker will be when I say do you want to save a dozen lives. I know for a fact it I was in a part of the Senate that will be a great attention grabber for me because those accident rates are ridiculous.

It may take weeks or even months for a bill to pass through parliament. However, an urgent bill can be passed in a matter of days. So for mines they will see it ’s urgent from the facts on accidents caused by drinking under the influence of alcohol. About 200 bills are introduced into parliament each year and about 90% are passed into a law. For my bill I am going have high hopes, just like the song from panic disco high hopes, this song has motivated me to do so many things and it gets me in a good mood. With my positive energy and my support systems my law will become passed on as a bill and then it will change the world in a way. Once an idea for a new law has been settled on, it must be put into form before it can be considered by the Senate. The actual drafting of legislation requires a specialized type of legal training and is usually done, by staff of the legislative bill drafting commission (The New York State Senate).

However, sometimes an interest group may have its own attorneys draft a bill, and lawyers working in various state agencies and the executive branch often submit their ideas for legislation in bill form. After explanation, discussion or debate, a vote is taken. It’s most of the senators that will approve, then the bill is sent to the Assembly. In the Assembly, people will have a chance to influence the bill as it moves through a process, basically the same as that in the Senate. It is referred to a committee for discussion, and if it gets approved there, it goes to the full membership for a vote (The New York Senate). If the bill is approved in the Assembly without amendment, it goes on to the Governor. However, if it’s changed, its returned to the Senate for concurrence in the amendments.

The reverse procedure is followed if the Assembly first passes a bill identical to a senate measure or if the Senate amends an assembly bill. The Senate majority leader and Assembly speaker, each appoint 5 members from their respective houses to serve on this committee. After agreement is reached, a bill is printed and processed like any other bill. While the legislature is in session, the governor has 10 days (not counting Sundays) to sign or veto bills passed by both houses. Signed bills become law; vetoed bills do not.

However, the governor’s failure to sign or veto a bill within the 10-day period means it becomes a law automatically. Vetoed bills are returned to the house that first passed them, together with a statement of the reason for their disapproval. A vetoed bill can become a law if two-thirds of the members of each house vote to override the governor’s veto (The New York Senate). Then people will stop drinking and driving while being under the influence if they don’t want to go to jail or get their license taken away. Then it’s a matter of do people want to save lives or harm them like they have to take that into consideration before they even get behind the wheel. We have to do better in our society so there wouldn’t be as many accidents from people drinking under the influence.

Works Cited:

  1. DDPO​, www.ddpo.org/organizations.htm.
  2. “Alcohol Awareness Month – April 2019.” ​Facing Addiction​, www.facingaddiction.org/resources/alcohol-awareness-month
  3. “Facts Statistics: Alcohol-Impaired Driving.” ​III​, www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-alcohol-impaired-driving
  4. “Get Help.” ​National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence​, www.ncadd.org/get-help
  5. “How Effective Was/Is the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Campaign?” ​Alcohol.org​, www.alcohol.org/teens/mothers-against-drunk-driving/.
  6. “How a Bill Becomes a Law.” ​NY State Senate​, 5 Oct. 2015, www.nysenate.gov/how-bill-becomes-law-1
  7. “Impaired Driving: Get the Facts | Motor Vehicle Safety | CDC Injury Center.” ​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention​, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
  8. “Reflections and Looking Back by Doug Abernethy Founder OADD.” ​Orillia Against Drunk Driving – Home Page​, www.oadd.ca/
  9. TheCat, Glace. “IDDPA.” ​Prezi.com​, 17 Dec. 2014, prezi.com/xqhx6qri_e9t/iddpa/
  10. The Parliament Office Of Education, https://www.peo.gov.au/uploads/peo/docs/fact-sheets/making_law.pdf https://www.peo.gov.au/uploads/peo/docs/fact-sheets/making_law.pdf

Avoiding Consequences of Drunk Driving among Teenagers

Drinking and driving is a gamble that you just can’t win. Drunk driving is when a person is under the influence of alcoholic substances and is behind the wheel. Some effects that come with this juvenile decision is the control of your body. Vision gets blurry, speech slurred, dizziness and loss of balance. An individual will feel so disoriented even; the most immune person couldn’t drive. Alcohol hinders the ability to make rational decisions, puts lives of the innocent in jeopardy and it’s very hard to operate a vehicle under such intoxication.

In alcohol claimed teens usually are one of the highest percentage of driving under substance, which is usually led by peer pressure, to fit in, feel older, and their own curiosity. For example, a sixteen year old who just got their license can now be free and drive to whom destination suits them. Such as a party with adult beverages like alcohol is distributed being a teen you eventually get pressured to drink and soon will oblige. If you drove their, then it means you shall drive back, but with the uncertain circumstances its hard to navigate with such substance in you blood system. Without a blink of an eye BOOM !! CLASH!! You’re in accident because of not being able to have control, which sucks because at one point you had control. As a result this substance takes over you in negative ways with no positive behaviors to bring.

In 1991 to 2010 drunk driving has declined 35%. Over the years less people have had a problem with drinking and driving. Its more of texting and driving now rather than drunk driving. You’d think twenty first century would be more corrupt with stuff being handed to them. No, my friend, wrong, early 2000’s and late 1990’s are the culprits. Issues obviously didn’t become a problem until more efficient technology was made because other started to abuse the power and freedom. Even though its illegal, in all fifty states rules are way stricter for people older as in twenty-one. As an example Tony is sixteen and commits the same crime as twenty-one year old Bertha. Yes teens don’t receive the same penalty as a trialed adult, but wouldn’t it be a blessing therefore mistakes can be learned from and avoided without a next time.

The article “Too drunk to drive” shows a different perspective. As an example, in what ways can you change the outcome of the night? Maybe not drive, catch an uber / ride and all sorts of alternatives to prevent lives that could possibly be in jeopardy. If different steps are taken a different less dreadful consequence is met. Subsequently lives are spared and no damage. As a result not only is drunk driving toxic, but a health risk for anyone who dares hurt her or himself in such manner.

According to all the facts and statistics no unhealthy decision goes unheard or without destruction whether its mentally or physically. In most accidents it seems like the person who consumed the alcohol is less affected in most incidents. Therefore this injustice habit needs to be frowned upon and heard more frequently because innocent people are deceased while the criminal is living life to their fullest. In conclusion driving while intoxicated is terrible and still stands as the enemy.

Laws Limiting Drunk Driving: Examples from US and Europe

For as long as people can know, alcohol has always been a major part of human society. When drinking responsibly, alcohol is great for social aspects and even for relaxing nights. Whether it is going out to the bar with friends, or having a glass of wine at dinner, alcohol is consumed for many different purposes in order to make life just little bit nicer. However, alcohol is also an extremely dangerous product when misused, and is more often than not, abused, causing many issues throughout the world. There are many dangers that can occur while alcohol is involved, and the issues are going each year. When there is an opportunity for harm to be created, there need to be laws and regulations set in place in order to help people drink more responsibly. Starting from the beginning, the service of alcohol and their regulations are strictly controlled, all throughout the world, in order to try and keep people safe. However, unfortunately, these can only do so much. One of the biggest issues with alcohol is drunk driving. Statistically speaking, every day, 29 people in the United States die in drunk driving accidents. This is already such a high number, and does not even include the rest of the world and their own statistics. With accidents like these, laws have to be enforced, and different penalties need to come to action. Yet, the entire world, with different customs and lifestyles, cannot all enforce the same laws, so each place has their own rules and regulations when it comes to alcohol and drunken violations.

In the United States, there are federal laws, and then there are state laws. Most states follow the federal law when it comes to alcohol, and some states have minor changes, when it comes to penalties, enforcement, and customized rules. A few important things to know about the federal laws regarding alcohol in the United States is that the legal age in all states to consume alcohol is 21. This is a fact that most people know, as the United States is very strict on enforcing this law. The national BAC (blood alcohol content) limit for being legally intoxicated is 0.08 for over the age of 21. The federal legal BAC limit for individuals under the age of 21 is 0.00. When it comes to serving alcohol, the legal age in most states to serve in a bar or a lounge is 21. These are all federal laws for the United States, however, some of them vary from state to state.

Starting on the east side of the United States, Massachusetts follows a lot of the federal laws revolving around alcohol. Massachusetts prohibits the operation of motor vehicle in any public place with a BAC of 0.08% or more. It is illegal for those under 21 to drive with a BAC above 0.02%. If this occurs, the state charges the person with an OUI. A difference of laws in Massachusetts from that of the federal laws, is that the minimum legal age to serve alcohol is 18. However, some individual bars may make their own requirements to be at least 21. It is also illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase alcohol. People under the age of 21 may drink, only if a parent, guardian, grandparent, or legal-aged spouse gives them the alcohol, in a private setting. With these laws set in place, penalties are given, if the regulations are not followed. For illegal underage possession of alcohol, there is a fine of up to $50 for the first offence, and up to $150 for the second offense. When selling alcohol, out of state drivers licenses are not acceptable proof of age in Massachusetts, as it is in other states. That being said, it is legal for places to deny a customer the right to purchase alcohol if they have an out of state driver’s license.

When it comes to drunk driving, things are taken very serious. Open containers of alcohol are illegal in vehicles. The penalty for driving with an open container (except for in the trunk) is a fine of $100 – $500. When it comes to OUI’s, there are different penalties. For the first offence, there is a driver’s license suspension of 45 to 90 days. Criminal penalties include license suspension for one year and a fine of $500 to up to $5,000. Jail is also possible for up to 2.5 years. Going along with this, for under 18 years old, the court sends the driver to a Youth Alcohol Program and a suspension period of one year. For the ages of 18 to 21, these drivers must attend Youth Alcohol Program and a suspension period of 180 days. The second offense for an OUI depends on the first offence, but the driver must have an ignition interlock device put in their car. Possible jail time can range between 60 days and 2.5 years, and courts can require an alcohol education program. For the third offense, it again, depends on the previous two offenses, however, license can be suspended for eight years, and fined to up to $15,000. Jail time can be between 180 days and 2.5 years or prison time of 2.5 years to 5 years. The same goes for the fourth and fifth offenses, however, the time and money is increased for the penalties. In order for police to know a person’s BAC, they must take a sobriety test. However, Massachusetts alcohol laws permit drivers to refuse taking a field sobriety test, as they are very unreliable.

In Massachusetts, about 15,000 to 16,500 people a year are arraigned on drunken driving charges. The most common last-drink reports of those who were involved in drunk driving incidents were those of sports venues and bars, such as Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park, and TD Garden. Massachusetts is a strict state with their liquor laws and with these rules and regulations enforced, they are trying to decrease the amounts of tragic incidents occurring while alcohol is involved.

On the opposite side of the country, is the state of California. California, like Massachusetts, mainly follow the federal drinking laws, however, does have their own twist on a couple of them, especially with their penalties. In California, the first DUI conviction is between a $390 and $1,000 fine. Possible jail time is between 48 hours and six months. Typically, there is a six-month license suspension. It is illegal for drivers to have a BAC content of 0.08% or more. Drivers must do BAC testing, and if refused, can face a one year suspension. With a first DUI offender, they usually also receive a three-year term of informal probation, however can be up to 5 years. They must complete DUI school, which is 30 hours of classes. A second DUI conviction have the same fine amounts. Second offenders can face from 96 hours to one year in jail, and there is a two-year suspension of licenses. There is also typically a three-year term of informal probation and must complete 18 or 30 month DUI School. A third DUI conviction also has the same fine amounts, and jail time is increased to between 120 days and one year. All third offenders must have an ignition interlock device (IID) for at least two years. Probation can be from three years to five years and DUI school is 30 months. California has a “zero tolerance” law, making it illegal for underage drivers to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or more. Commercial drivers can be arrested for a DUI with a BAC of 0.04% or more.

When it comes to the service of alcohol, California also allows people of the age of 18 years or older to serve at venues that sell alcohol for drinking on site. However, there is no age requirement for selling alcohol in stores for consumption off site. California also allows people of any age to consume alcohol in a private location, except in vehicles. There must be a parent, guardian, spouse, or 21-year-old or older present.

Like Massachusetts, California tends to stick somewhat to the overall federal law of the United States. California is also a state that takes their liquor laws very seriously, in order to ensure the safety of the people. Through these rules and regulations of drunk driving and serving alcohol, it is clear to see the similarities and differences between the states of Massachusetts and California. This is at no surprise, since they are part of the same country and have federal laws throughout the entire United States.

The same types of laws can be seen all throughout the United States, however, they are not the only country that has liquor laws. In fact, all countries have their own individual liquor laws. The very famous country of Italy, is very well known for their wine, which is alcohol. Throughout the country, wine is a huge part of Italian culture and it is a norm to always be drinking. However, Italy does have very strict drinking and driving laws, along with some rules and regulations for the service of alcohol.

Like most things in Europe, their measurements are quite different than in the United States. In Italy, being considered under the influence is if the person has a blood alcohol level of 0.5 mg. To put this into drink terms, more than one glass of wine or beer risks going over the limit. The penalties vary in Italy for getting a DUI. The lowest is getting a fine and it can go all the way up to vehicle confiscation and imprisonment. Different factors that decide this are the car that they’re driving, their age, if they pass the breathalyzer, etc. Penalties for drinking and driving in Italy vary based on the alcohol limit. Between 0 and 0.5 g/l there is no penalty charged. This only applies for drivers under the age of 21. Between 0.5 and 0.8 g/l is not punishable and payment between 531,00 euro and 2.125,00 in addition to suspension of license for a 3 to 6-month period. Between 0.8 to 1.5 g/l the fines can range from 800,00 euro and 3.200,00 euro and imprisonment up to 6 months. More than 1.5 g/l involves criminal penalty and fine between 1.500 euro and 6.000 and imprisonment between 6 months and 1 year.

Serving regulations in Italy are quite different from those of the United States. First, it is forbidden to sell alcohol to minors during night hours. Minors are not allowed to buy alcohol; however, minors do not have any penalties for drinking alcohol unless they are drunk. If a minor is caught drunk, they must be delivered to their parents or guardian. The minimum drinking age in Italy is 18, so it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. Those that sell to minors will be fined and sometimes a suspension of liquor license.

As seen through these examples, all throughout the world, liquor laws are taken very seriously. In different parts of the world, there are different laws that apply and different penalties that come with them. As mentioned above, Massachusetts and California have very similar laws, as they both fall under the federal laws of the United States. Of course, with every state, there are modifications made in order to have exactly what the state needs in order to keep their people safe. Along with differences in the laws, there are also many differences in the penalties, in order to fit the state’s individual preferences. This can be found in every state in the United States. Going outside of the country, there are also many different types of liquor laws. In each individual country, they have their own laws and penalties in order to fit their culture, norms, and lifestyle. In Italy, drinking is a big part of the Italian culture, and the liquor laws that they have apply into knowing the way their life is. However, no matter the differences in liquor laws throughout the world, there is one definite similarity, which is that drunk driving laws and serving laws are taken very seriously, no matter which place it is. Issues with alcohol are such a major issue in the world, and with these laws set in place, helps people in the world be safer, all while being able to enjoy all aspects of alcohol.

Drunk Driving Statistics Essay

The current situation in New Zealand in terms of binge drinking is slowly rising and becoming more of a danger to a person’s health and the ones around it. Based on data from 2017/2018 it was identified that around 4 out of 5 people have consumed alcohol in the past year and presumably 25% of them were drinking dangerously, as in binge drinking. Binge drinking is when one is constantly consuming alcohol in a short period, in large quantities. In 2016 an estimate of 10.7 litres was consumed per person in NZ and over the last 10 years spirits intakes have risen on average 35%. Since New Zealand has such an availability of alcohol it would be presumed that many people would buy and use it daily, some to an extent which would be classified as dangerous. In 2018 around 35 million litres of pure alcohol was available for sale. The consequences of binge drinking in New Zealand have caused many deaths and accidents to occur, in the year 2007 there were 800 deaths; 43% by injuries, 30% from cancer, and 27% by other diseases that have also occurred due to alcohol abuse. Drunk driving has caused 20% of fatal crashes, a factor in 1 out of 10 minor injury crashes and 15% of major injury crashes. Not only has alcohol caused many deaths and car accidents, but alcohol was also involved in 1 out of 3 family violence situations in 2018 and 40% of violent offenses are caused by either the victim drinking, the offender, or even both at the same time.

The Dignity of the Human Person by definition is something that is valued, respected, and significant to a person, your dignity is not made and changed by what you did or do but by who you are, what you believe in, and different aspects of your life that make a change to what you think, some examples are background, family, and religion. Your dignity is built up on what has changed you and is your self-worth and how you represent your honor “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” John 13:16, this scripture tells us that God created all of us to be like him and to act upon how he would’ve done. It also represents that no matter what you do for a living and for what you have done, it doesn’t make your dignity and it doesn’t represent who you are as a person. In this scripture, it says how someone who has a higher rank isn’t greater than the person they command nor anyone around them as we are made equal and that certain things around us don’t define us. “1700 The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God (article 1); it is fulfilled in his vocation to divine beatitude (article 2). It is essential for a human being free to direct himself to this fulfillment (article 3). By his deliberate actions (article 4), the human person does or does not, conform to the good promised by God and attested by moral conscience (article 5). Human beings make their contribution to their interior growth; they make their whole sentient and spiritual lives into means of this growth (article 6). With the help of grace, they grow in virtue (article 7), and avoid sin, and if they sin they entrust themselves as did the prodigal son to the mercy of our Father in heaven (article 8). In this way, they attain to the perfection of charity.” This Catechism of the Catholic Church Scripture shows us that our dignity is in God as he was the one who created us and that we must direct ourselves and pour dignity into what God has done and what he is telling us to do. This applies to binge drinking in NZ because binge drinking can lead to many consequences that can affect your dignity.

“2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others’ safety on the road, at sea, or in the air.” This quote tells us that binge drinking is not good because according to The Catechism of the Catholic Church #2290, it states that we should avoid the abuse of alcohol to any excess. The reason why binge drinking is against the Catholic Principle of Human Dignity is because according to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” We must honor our bodies because they are temples that God created, and we must respect them and not cause them harm just like how we should not abort, self-harm, or suicide. The Bible and church teach us that our bodies are meant to be sacred and when we binge drink, we aren’t treating it like it is sacred. Once alcohol is in your system you are a danger to yourself and those around you. Alcohol can cause many different types of harm to the body, using an excess of alcohol can affect your mindset and alter your decisions contributing to either drunk driving or violence both can cause harm not only to yourself but to others around you.

When a person binge drinks, they are not showing respect for their human dignity because consumption of alcohol is against what the church teaches. An over-consumption of alcohol, also known as binge drinking, can affect how you act around yourself and to those who are around you. Having an informed conscience changes someone’s decisions on whether or not they should binge drink because then they would know the harm that their actions can do to people and their dignity. Once we start thinking with a well-informed conscience about the harm and consequences of binge drinking, we will be able to make the right choices and stay clear of drinking an unhealthy amount of alcohol. As soon as the person realizes that binge drinking can lead to an abnormal state of mind and can change your feelings and what you are doing, the fact that someone’s life or their own is online once they are in that state of mind when they can’t make the proper decisions they will realize that they need to keep their dignity by not inflicting harm to their environment. There are many factors that alcohol has on your relationships with your family, friends, and yourself, one of them would be your actions, once the alcohol has taken over your mindset you can’t control what you are doing and can end up harming yourself in a variety of different ways, for example, drunk driving can lead to you crashing and cause major injuries or even death. Another reason why binge drinking can affect your relationships is that not only can you cause harm to yourself but the others around you. Even if you are under the influence of alcohol, it won’t excuse you for putting violence upon anyone, once you have inflicted violence or pain on someone that will instantly affect your relationship with that person even if it may have been a one-time thing. As mentioned before if you binge drink and then drive you could crash not only causing pain to yourself but also to someone else who was on the road. Binge drinking can also affect and change your dignity and your religious beliefs, the Bible clearly states that drinking an excess of alcohol is against its teaching and also causes pain and not respecting your body, when it was God who made it for you to respect is not the way you should be living your life as a Catholic. But even though you shouldn’t binge drink some Catholics still do it, some even on a regular occasion, and there are many reasons why they still binge drink even if it is against the scriptures. One of them is peer pressure, one of the main reasons why people drink, or binge drink is because people are pressuring others and their friends to do it with them because it is fun to some people. Another reason would be, as mentioned before, alcohol changes your mindset and helps you forget about things, and to some people alcohol makes them feel more carefree and happier, alcohol makes them forget about their life and the worries that come with it.

Review of Related Literature and Studies on Drunk Driving

Review of Related Literature and Studies

The literature and studies cited in this chapter tackle the different concept, understanding, and ideas, generalizations or conclusions and different development related to proposed system entitled SafeDrive: An Android Application for Alcohol Sensing Alert System and Automatic Engine Disabling for Merchandisers Riders Club Philippines.

Technical Background

It gives details the hardware and software requirements specification including information technology innovation that has been used in the integration of the proposed system

Hardware Requirements

Hardware is a storage device that is used for storing, porting and extracting data files and objects. It holds and stores information both temporarily and permanently to a computer, server or any similar computing device. In order to work the proposed system, the researchers have to achieve the correct hardware items to be used such as Arduino Uno, a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328 (datasheet), MQ-3, useful for gas leakage detection, L293D Motor Driver, acts as an interface between Arduino and the motors, Piezzo Buzzer, LEDs, Breadboard, Resistors, and LCD display.

Software Requirements

Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions. The following are the set of programs designed to generate a history logs for location tracker system. The things to be used in the proposed system are Arduino IDE, Android Studio, and SQLite.

Foreign Literatures

Foreign Literature are information that are in foreign country that have been published. This will help the researchers further their knowledge about the system.

Risk factors for motorcycle loss-of-control crashes. Wu (2018) stated that poor road adhesion significantly increased the risk of losing control; the risk increased more than 20-fold when deteriorated road adhesion was encountered unexpectedly, due to loose gravel, ice, oil, bumps, road marking, metal plates, etc. For motorcyclists, riding with a positive blood alcohol concentration (over or equal to the legal limit of 0.5 g/L) was very dangerous, often resulting in losing control. The risk of LOC crash varied for different types of motorcycle: Riders of roadsters and sports bikes were more likely to have an LOC crash greater than that of riders of basic or touring motorcycles. In addition, LOC risk increased with speed; a model using the square of the traveling speed showed better fit than one using speed itself.

The article is related to the proposed system which is concerned about motorcyclists who drive under that influence of alcohol. The article stated that when a rider has taken alcohol over or even the to the legal limit could be still dangerous. The proposed system has the its objective where in, the engine will lock up once a person has detected by the sensor regardless of the amount of the alcohol he or she has taken.

Motorcycle helmet type and the risk of head injury and neck injury during motorcycle collisions in California. Rice, T. (2016) stated that The use of novelty motorcycle helmets is often prompted by beliefs that wearing a standard helmet can contribute to neck injury during traffic collisions. The goal of this analysis was to examine the association between helmet type and neck injury risk and the association between helmet type and head injury. Helmet type was strongly associated with head injury occurrence but was not associated with the occurrence of neck injury. Rider age, rider alcohol use, and motorcycle speed were strong, positive predictors of both head and neck injury. Interventions to improve motorcycle helmet choice and to counteract misplaced concerns surrounding neck injury risk are likely to lead to reductions in head injury, brain injury, and death.

The proposed system somehow shows the relativeness to the article. One of the main takeaways in the proposed system is helmet. The motorcyclists are not only able to start the engine when he or she is drunk. They are not also being able to start the engine when they have do not put their helmet on. The proponents used a force sensing type of sensor that can detect whether a motorcyclist has a helmet on.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving. According to T. Buddy (2019), Although traffic fatalities have been on the decline in recent years, alcohol-related crashes still kill about 10,000 people per year in the United States, with alcohol a factor in one out of three motor vehicle deaths, according to the CDC. Despite all the warnings, public awareness and educational programs, stiffer penalties for violations, people will still get behind the wheel of their vehicles while intoxicated. While drunk driving numbers have decreased in the past couple of decades for youths and teens, they are still at risk whether they are the drivers or not. Motor vehicle wrecks are the leading cause of death in the United States for persons under age 24, whether as the driver or the passenger, with almost half involving alcohol as a factor in the crash A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 or greater is seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash than a driver who has not consumed alcoholic beverages, and a driver with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or greater is about 25 times more likely. Basically, the more you drink, the more likely you are to have an accident and a fatal one. The same applies for the likelihood of having any vehicle accident, fatal or otherwise. Here are the cold, hard facts. 160-pound person drinking two 12-ounce beers within an hour would probably have a BAC of 0.02, well below the legal limits of driving under the influence, but 1.4 times more likely to have an accident than someone who is sober. One of the problems with setting the legal limit for ‘drunk driving’ at a blood-alcohol content level of 0.08 is it sends the message that if you are not yet legally drunk, you are therefore okay to drive. The problem lies in the fact that impairment begins long before you reach the 0.08 level. Scientific research shows explicitly that some of the skills that you need to drive safely begin to deteriorate even at the 0.02 blood-alcohol level. Experiments have shown that drivers at the 0.02 level experience a decline in visual functions their ability to track a moving object and experience a decline in the ability to perform two tasks at the same time.

According to the article despite all the warning regarding drunk driving accidents. People still tends to drive while intoxicated even though the know it can lead to accidents. So with the use of the proposed system, those people who still drive even though they are intoxicated can no longer use their motorcycles. Because it will detect the driver if the driver has alcohol content in his body. so if the proposed system sense an alcohol content. It can no longer run until it can no longer sense an alcohol to the driver.

Drinking and Driving, According to S. Kathleen (2019), Driving under the influence is a huge problem in our country. In the United States, almost 30 people die every day in crashes that involve a driver impaired by alcohol. That’s at least one death an hour. There are over 100 million self-reported instances of alcohol-impaired driving every year, and over a million drivers are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. A third of all fatal car crashes involve an intoxicated person. Most incidents involved alcohol, but other drugs are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle deaths. The cost of these crashes reaches into the tens of billions each year. Young people are especially at risk for drinking and driving. Of the drivers with a blood alcohol concentration higher than 0.08%, one out of 3 were between the ages of 21 and 24. Motorcyclists are also at risk. A third of motorcyclists killed in fatal crashes have BAC’s above the legal limit. Finally, if you have a previous driving while impaired (DWI) conviction, you are seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash involving drugs or alcohol.

With the use of the proposed system, the amount of intoxicated drivers that uses motorcycle will decrease the probability of having an accident because the proposed system will secure the motorcycle for them not to be able to use it while they are intoxicated.

Drinking and Driving, According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2019), Alcohol is a substance that reduces the function of the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination. All these abilities are essential to operating a vehicle safely. As alcohol levels rise in a person’s system, the negative effects on the central nervous system increase, too. Alcohol is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine. Then it passes into the bloodstream where it accumulates until it is metabolized by the liver. Alcohol level is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood. This is called Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC. At a BAC of .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL) of blood, crash risk increases exponentially. Because of this risk, it’s illegal in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. However, even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. In 2017, there were 1,837 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where drivers had lower alcohol levels (BACs of .01 to .07 g/dL).

With the help of the proposed system, it will be able to detect if the driver is intoxicated enough so that they can no longer use their motorcycle and with it the people that have accident with the use of motorcycle will be lessen.

Local Literature

Local Literature are information that are in local country that have been published. This will help the researchers further their knowledge about the system.

2018 PH drunk-driving figures will leave you scratching your head. According to Laurel (2018), Statistics provided by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) show that between January 1 and June 30, 2018, a measly 100 motorists were apprehended for violating Republic Act 10586, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs and similar substances. It gets worse: The 100 apprehensions above only refer to first-time offenders. How many were caught driving under the influence a second time? The situation becomes more of a head-scratcher when you realize authorities are actually equipped to enforce the anti-drunk driving law. Since 2015, the government has bought and issued 756 breath analyzers. What’s more, 818 LTO, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel have been deputized to handle the situation since 2016.

This local literature shows that drunk driving is really hard to stop and prevent from happening. Breathalyzers are a good thing but they will be needing lots of men in order to check almost all of the riders, through their breath, and still some can still bypass this kind of manual checking. With the use of the proponents ideas, SafeDrive, will be helpful since it’s a self-working system embedded on the motorcycle.

Traffic Enforcers Train in Using Breathalyzers. According to Katerina Francisco (2015), the breath analyzers to be used for the enforcement of the anti-drunk driving law starting Thursday, March 12, are calibrated to Philippine standards and are designed to be user-friendly. This is according to the supplier of the device and which the traffic enforcers deputized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) found out for themselves in a training session on Tuesday. Alexander Sevilla of Philippine Blue Cross Biotech Corporation, the supplier of the Fit 333 breathalyzers, spoke to around 100 personnel from the LTO’s regional offices, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group, and local government units gathered at the LTO office in Quezon City for a 3-day workshop for the enforcement of Republic Act 10586. RA 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, seeks to penalize drivers whose blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the allowable legal limit. For non-professional drivers, their BAC should not exceed 0.05%. Professional drivers and drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs), however, must have no trace of alcohol at all – anything higher than 0% will be subject to penalty. Drivers found guilty of violating the law face fines, imprisonment, and a revocation of their licenses.

The literature has the same concept as the proposed system which it has the range to detect whether the driver is drunk or not. They have used the breathalyzers which is concentrated sensor that detects someone breath. The MQ-3 has the same function for it has to detect a concentrated air to produce an output.

In Numbers: Road Crash Incidents in the Philippines. According to Sy, K. (2017), every year, 1.25 million people around the world die due to road crashes – a global problem that the World Health Organization (WHO) says is both predictable and preventable. Most of the victims come from low and middle-income countries. Those in the prime of their lives are particularly vulnerable, with road injuries the leading cause of death among those 15-29 years old. The Philippines is also seeing worrying figures, with data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing that the number of deaths due to road crashes has been increasing since 2006. According to the latest available data, 10,012 people died due to road crashes in 2015 – a 45.76% increase from 6,869 deaths recorded in 2006.

The proposed system’s objective is to lessen the vehicular accidents due to the recklessness of the driver. The article shows the statistical list of incident occurred through the years. By developing a sensor that can detect an alcohol gas, it would contribute to the individuals for their safeness.

How drunk is “drunk driving?”. According to The Philippine Star (2014), Christmas season is around the corner, and with that comes a deluge of Christmas parties and get-togethers. For party-going-and-drinking drivers, it’s also time to be reminded of the recently implemented Anti-Drunk & Drugged Driving Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 10586 or for simplicity here “Anti-Drunk Driving Act”). Under the Anti-Drunk Driving Act, a person found driving while under the influence of alcohol can go to prison (from a minimum of three months to a maximum of 20 years) and/or be subject to a fine (from a minimum of P20,000 to a maximum of P500,000) plus suspension of the driver’s license for 12 months for the first offense, and perpetual revocation of the driver’s license for the second offense. For professional drivers, their driver’s license may be perpetually revoked after a first offense.

The proponents come up with the idea of a detector that could prevent road accident. Through the proposed system, it could help drivers from the fines and as well as accidents.

Prevent Car Theft with GPS Tracker 2016 – Manila GPS Trackers. Car thefts are always an issue in big cities like Manila – even taxi companies have car thefts. You can prevent car theft with GPS tracker installed. In the taxi article the taxi was stolen because the driver went out of the taxi to ring the doorbell. The taxi obviously did not have a GPS tracker. A GPS tracker is a small device (size of a small phone) that is hidden inside your vehicle. If your vehicle is stolen, you simply track the location of the vehicle on your smartphone. You can alert the Philippines police department as to the location of your vehicle.

The proposed system uses GPS to easily track the motorcyclist once he or she has been detected by the sensor and motor has stopped. It consists of GPS device that is being installed, as well as the software which collects data.

Foreign Studies

Foreign studies is a related information to the study of the researchers in the foreign country. Studies are usually found in unpublished or published thesis, article, and journals. It also helps researchers to add information that found in other studies.

Effectiveness of ignition interlock devices in reducing drunk driving recidivism. According to Coben, five of the six studies found interlocks were effective in reducing DWI recidivism while the interlock was installed in the car. In the five studies demonstrating a significant effect, participants in the interlock programs were 15%–69% less likely than controls to be re-arrested for DWI. The only reported randomized, controlled trial demonstrated a 65% reduction in re-arrests for DWI in the interlock group, compared with the control group. Alcohol ignition interlock programs appear to be effective in reducing DWI recidivism during the time period when the interlock is installed in the car. Future studies should attempt to control for exposure and determine if certain sub-groups are most benefited by interlock programs.

The proponents installed the device on a motorcycle, instead of a car. It will disable also the engine of the motorcycle once it has detected that the driver has no helmet on and once detected that the driver was drunk.

Potentials of Smart Breathalyzer: Interventions for Excessive Drinking Among College Students. According to Min (2018), excessive drinking among college students is a significant public health issue. Electronic Screening Brief Intervention (e-SBI) has been shown to be an effective prevention tool, and it has been implemented on personal computers, web, mobile phones and social networking platforms. They asked college students to discuss about their perception of BACtrack Mobile Pro, the FDA-approved and consumer-oriented smart breathalyzer. They recruited 15 college students who have consumed alcohol regularly, asked them to use the smart breathalyzer for two weeks, and conducted pre- and post-study surveys and interviews. They identified five barriers with design opportunities for the smart breathalyzer: (1) Support from immediate family members or close friends, (2) Personalized results, (3) Intuitive status display, (4) Accessorizing the form factor, and (5) Quicker access. Future mobile and smart wearable e-SBI interventions targeted at college students should take these design considerations into account.

Using breathalyzer is not enough to monitor everyone who has been drunk driving on the road unless there is a checkpoint, or an accident. But aside these, there is a higher percentage of not monitoring half of those drunk drivers on the road. That is why, the proponent’s study will be a big help for those who are using motorcycle. It will be embedded on the motorcycle and the engine will be disabled unless the provided air from the driver’s breath is clean and has undetectable alcohol presence.

Design and Characterization of Breath Analysis System for BAC Prediction. According to Chen, M. (2015), in order to analyze the breath, two sensors were needed, the alcohol gas sensor and the humidity sensor. The sensors were integrated with Atmega 328p based microcontroller on an Arduino board. The Arduino was connected with an Android application to measure the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). A BAC as little as 0.02% can affect or impair a person’s reasoning ability and motion control. These factors can result to a dangerous situation while driving and making decisions on the road. To maintain the highest level of safety, it is desirable to have an individual system to monitor BAC.

The proposed system requires the count of BAC of the driver. This study shows how much important knowing one’s BAC before driving because a very little amount can cause too much damage to everyone. The researchers were going to make a device similar to the breath analyzer, and the materials mentioned above is almost the same materials that the researchers are going to use.

Vehicle Accident Prevention Using Sensors. Based on Bhavani, K. (2018), vehicular accidents mostly occur if the driving is inadequate, and one of the main factors is the driver’s drowsiness. The sensors help in controlling accidents due to unconsciousness through different sensors. And one of these sensors is the alcohol sensor or the MQ-3 sensor. This sensor is not only sensitive to alcohol, particularly ethanol, which is a type of alcohol. It can be used to determine the driver’s blood alcohol level.

The proposed system of researchers is going to be a device made of MQ-3 sensor, which is attached on the driver’s seat. If alcohol was detected in the driver’s breath, the ignition of the car is going to be seized. Otherwise, it will start. The result of the alcohol detected will going to be recorded on the user’s android application connected to the device. The device will immediately send an SMS to the family contact of the driver to let them know that the driver is drunk.

The effects of drug and alcohol consumption on driver injury severities in single-vehicle crashes. Behnood (2017) stated that it is well known that alcohol and drugs influence driving behavior by affecting the central nervous system, awareness, vision, and perception/reaction times, but the resulting effect on driver injuries in car crashes is not fully understood. The purpose of the study was to identify factors affecting the injury severities of unimpaired, alcohol-impaired, and drug-impaired drivers. The estimation results show significant differences in the determinants of driver injury severities across groups of unimpaired, alcohol-impaired, and drug-impaired drivers. The findings also show that unimpaired drivers are understandably more responsive to variations in lighting, adverse weather, and road conditions, but these drivers also tend to have much more heterogeneity in their behavioral responses to these conditions, relative to impaired drivers.

The relativity of this study to the proposed system is they have the same concern when it comes to a person under the influence of alcohol. It is clearly written that when a person is intoxicated, he or she is prone to accident that would lead to death. The proposed system has the ability to somehow lessen the said accident by preventing the motor to start up as soon as the driver has been detected.

Local Studies

Local studies is a related information to the study of the researchers in the native land. Studies are usually found in unpublished or published thesis, article, and journals. It also help researchers to add information that found in other studies.

Modeling Motorcycle Accident Severity in the Philippines Using Helmet Use, Riding Experience and Driving Behavior. According to Seva, R. (2017), the law on drunk driving was only implemented in 2015 upon procurement of breath analyzers to conduct checkpoints to drivers. The law was quite new and poorly implemented so many drivers are not frightened to driver under the influence of alcohol. The World Health Organization gave the Philippines a rating of 1 out of 10 in the enforcement of this law in 2015 (World Health Organization, 2015). The authorities can regularly conduct breath tests as means of introducing the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law to the riding population. The tests can be conducted especially during weekends and holidays when more people are more inclined to drink. The Philippine government will prioritize the procurement of these breathalyzers because as of 2017, there is a limited number available (Sauler, 2017).

One of the proponent’s objectives is to simultaneously prevent drunk driving without the authorities having a checkpoint to checkpoint checking. The proposed system could prevent more road accidents than the road checking with breathalyzers since the authorities have only limited amount of time to check the driver’s breathe. Through this device, every driver can be simultaneously checked while driving or even before driving, and stop them from using the car if detected as drunk. Since the law about drunk driving is new and implementing this is quite hard, having this device attached from car to car will be a big help for the authorities to implement the law.

Arduino-Based Food and Water Dispenser for Pets with GSM Technology Control. GSM technology is a machine that responds through the use os SMS. With the use of cellular phone, which is economically and readily available as means of transmitting via SMS, a person can be able to look over their pets in terms of feeding (Beltran, 2015). The GSM contains SIM900D, a module buffered UART, fused input power, a manual power switch, and also a SIM card holder. It enables the machine to perform a function of a basic phone, like being able to send and receive text messages from other mobile phone users.

The researchers’ device contains GSM, for the system to be able to connect and send messages to the driver’s family and allows them to know if the driver is currently under the influence of alcohol. This study can help the researchers upon adding the GSM feature of their device.

Ignition Interlock Device for Motorcycles. The major component of an Ignition Interlock Device is the breathalyzer which determines the alcohol toxicity of the driver by exhaling to the sensor. The car breathalyzer calculates the blood alcohol content and only allows the car to start if the blood alcohol content level is within the accepted value. If the device detects an alcohol level higher than the accepted value, the car will not start. If the driver is not able to provide a clean breath sample, the device will log the event.

The researchers will set a minimum value of alcohol content for which is still acceptable for a driver to use the car, but if the BAC detected on the driver’s breath exceeds to the given limit, the car will not start. The study mentioned above applied the device to the motorcycles, while the researchers are applying the device to four wheeler cars.

Non-Invasive Detection of Human Body Liquor Intake Based on Optical Biosensor. According to Abaoag, C. (2018), alcohol related incidents are increasing despite the implementation of RA 10586, the Anti-Drunk or Drugged Driving Act of 2013. Blood alcohol content is tested with the use of breathalyzers. The sensor will act as an alternative alcohol detection platform, which will provide low-cost analysis of BAC or blood alcohol content.

This study shows how the alcohol sensing device costs lower than the usual amount it will take if the driver was requested to have his breath tested. Some of the authorities still use the clinical way of testing blood alcohol content, which is not preventive since most of the time they get the driver tested on the clinic if an incident has happened, while this device can be easily used anytime and at the same time can prevent accidents caused by drunk driving.

Crime Tracking Device Using GPS and SMS Technologies. Based on observation, Almario (2015), conducted experimentation to develop the device using program simulators and trainers to test the functionality of the hardware and the software. The GSM module was interfaced to send and receive notifications. The application developed was connected to Google Map to know the exact location of the user. In places where there is no stable signal of the GPS, the device will stop tracking and will only continue after a signal is received. The data used by the server relied on the data sent by the tracking device; if there is no data from the device, there will be no result to be viewed in the server.

The study and the proposed system has the same concern as they both use a GSM and a GPS. The GPS in the proposed system is used to locate the motorcyclist while the GSM is used to send a message to the relatives of the latter.

Drunk Driving: Critical Analysis and Summary of Relevant Sources

Source 1: Drunk driving and the law

Koch, A. (2019). Drunk driving and the law – Driving under the influence in South Africa. [online] Insights into The Law in South Africa | Welcome to Go Legal. Available at: https://www.golegal.co.za/drunk-driving-law/ [Accessed 17 Feb. 2019].

Summary

In the article written by Alicia Koch, published by GoLegal, it was said that South Africa is the worst country in the world judging by the fact that South Africa has the highest percentage of Driving under the influence related road accidents sitting at 68% (Drunk and Driving related accidents of all accidents in South Africa) for the country and 28% of that is from Johannesburg. The legal limits, as stated by the South African Law is as followed: “Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 (the “NRA”’) sets out the legal limits and prohibitions for driving whilst under the influence. It provides that no one shall drive or even occupy the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle (with the engine running) on a public road if their blood alcohol content is over the legal limit.” (Pulled from the article). The body’s processing time of one unit of alcohol takes approximately an hour, assuming you are over 68KG of weight. The approximate, most accurate breakdown of alcohol is as follows: 1 x 75 ml glass of wine = 1 unit, 1 x 250ml glass of wine = 3.3 units, 1 x shot/shooter = ½ unit in most instances, 1 x spirit cooler = about 1.25 units, 1 x beer = 1.5 units or possibly more, 1 x cider = 2 units, 1 x 25 ml tot of spirits = 1 unit, 1 x cocktail = Between 2 and 4 units.

There are no “quick fixes” to becoming sober, or to speed up the time your body takes to process the alcohol in your system. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, there are various penalties that will be faced. They include 6-8 years imprisonment, R60 000 – R120 000 fine will need to be paid, your license could be suspended. Roadblocks are often conducted and if you are caught driving under the influence the process goes as follows: You will be arrested after a breathalyzer has been used and comes out positive. You will be detained. Blood will be taken to prove you are over the legal limit. Docket will be opened, and Court dates will be made. Bail offered, if not taken or paid, step 6 will be put into action. You will be sentenced. You will face the consequences as mentioned above. Use uber or have a designated driver. You could kill yourself, your loved ones, and other road users.

Value

This article just defines the South African Law regarding the Rules of the road and what the legal drinking limit is in South Africa. This will help me answer my question by proving what the legal drinking limit is, and what is acceptable. This article also defines what the consequences are.

Reliability

The findings in the article and the reasoning is that there are actual laws, and true facts based on Roadblocks and the consequences faced. Alicia started Alicia Koch Consulting in 2013, a move which has so far, proven very successful. She specializes in writing Crime articles based around the law. I trust this article and the author. She obtained her master’s in journalism in 2010 at the university of Cape Town.

Validity

The finding in this source are valid, after other article had been compared to this source, this source is valid, and can be confirmed by other sources.

Limitations

This source failed to provide information on the arrests made over the past two years and rather only on last year (2018). This source also failed to include information on how many fatalities were as a result of drunk driving in South Africa/Johannesburg.

Relevance to the topic

This source is extremely relevant to the chosen topic, as it informs the researcher/reader as to; what drinks are too strong and are over the limit, how long you need to stop drinking for after one has consumed an alcoholic beverage, what one would need to expect after being proven guilty, and how to face the penalty. There are tips on how to avoid the problem, such as Uber, and having a sober friend drive you home, as well as the consequences you will face.

This article has already proven that the findings in this in reality are valid and that there are serious consequences of driving over the legal drinking limit, and that death is one of the consequences, due to negligent and irresponsible driving on the roads of South Africa. This article has also told me what the percentage of accidents is caused by driving over the legal limit.

This source proves that drinking and driving does happen, in South Africa, and its provinces, espcially Gauteng.

Source 2: Drunken Drivers Needn’t Worry in South Africa.

VOA. (2019). Drunken Drivers Needn’t Worry in South Africa. [online] Available at: https://www.voanews.com/a/drunken-drivers-neednt-worry-south-africa/3305432.html [Accessed 17 Feb. 2019].

Summary

In this article written by Darren Taylor, he anonymously interviewed a Johannesburg Resident. He discussed what has happened in this man’s years of driving on the roads of Johannesburg. This man asked that he remains anonymous, because he had committed serious crimes in his past. He admits to driving under the influence of alcohol almost every Friday night, averaging around 5 beers and 2-3 shots of Tequila. He almost always drives well over the legal limit, but he is not worried. This man says that there is no reason to be worried about drunk driving in Johannesburg because “you can always talk or bribe your way out of it”. He claims to have often been stopped by cops and every time he has been drunk, but he says he just offers them a beer or gives them a few hundred rand to keep them quiet, and he says it always works. This man has been involved in 2 accidents after having a few drinks and he ended up waking up at home with blood on his clothes and a car missing from the garage, and he does not remember how any of that had happened, and when the police had questioned him, he blamed it on a friend and the incident was left there. We can refer to this man as “Van Rensburg” to keep his identity hidden. Van Rensburg later nonchalantly says he drives under the influence of liquor “all the time.” “Basically, it’s all a blank. Whatever you do, the way you drive — you don’t remember much.” (Taken directly from article.) He tells Darren that you can get away with drunk driving.

Value

This article proves that for some, there are no consequences of driving over the legal drinking limit. Here, we can see that people admit to drunk driving, but they know that there will be no penalty, or punishment, so they just carry on driving over the influence.

Reliability

The findings in this source are believable, because Police do take bribes and they are not all perfect, and road-users do offer bribes to police to “clear their name” from having a criminal record and from facing 6-8 years in jail, as stated by the South African law. This article is reliable, and it states that people do drink and drive, especially in South Africa, because they know that they can get away with it. This author works for VOA (Voice of America) News and is reliable.

Validity

After being involved in an accident, it is believable knowing that road users often pay bribes to “clear their name”. This source is seen as valid due to past experiences too.

Limitations

This articled failed to inform me on the arrests, and fatalities due to the negligent driving of drivers driving over the legal drinking limit in Johannesburg.

Relevance to the topic

This source is relevant to my topic because it proves that some people may be able to persuade the police to relieve them of all their charges while others are put in jail. This article is informative regarding that the South African Police are allowing people to operate a motor-vehicle under the influence of alcohol, by accepting such bribes, and allowing themselves to be persuaded by the road- users of Johannesburg. This also proves to me that there is a reason driving under the influence car accidents have risen in the past due to drunk drivers.

Source 3: 2016/2017 Festive Season Statistics

SADD. (2019). 2016/2017 Festive Season Statistics. [online] Available at: http://sadd.org.za/20162017-festive-season-statistics/ [Accessed 17 Feb. 2019].

Summary

In this short article, it has been proven that road accidents have risen since 2017. Here, is an extract from the article: “South Africans Against Drunk Driving (SADD) are extremely concerned at the 5% increase in the death rate this(2018/2019 December/January) holiday season. Approximately 1 714 people died, which is the equivalent of 5 airplanes. This on top of the 15% increase last year (2017) means that there has been a 20% increase in 2 years. Alcohol abuse is responsible for at least 65% of these incidents, with 5943 of 9175 drivers being charged with drunk driving.” 65% is a large percentage, and this shows that more and more people are driving drunk.

Value

This article is valid as it comes directly from the Minister of transport, Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga has got authority to her name and she are the highest person in command in this specific category and the statistics match the ones given in the report above. This article is just a summarized version of the speech that The Minister of Transport had delivered in 2017.

Reliability

This article is extremely reliable as the given information comes directly from the minister of Transport in South Africa, she is the one who receives all statistics on road accidents in South Africa, and she has seen that in Johannesburg there has been a rise in drunk driving over the past 2 years. Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga is the ministers name.

Validity

This article has proved to be valid, because the minister of transport had delivered a speech addressing the road-users of Johannesburg that the government is extremely concerned that the people of south Africa are putting innocent people at risk by driving on the roads, drunk.

Limitations

The article did not include any information on how many reports were filled by the police and how many people actually faced the consequences after being caught driving over the legal drinking limit to be able to drive.

Relevance to the topic

This article and my findings are extremely relevant to my topic. This proves that the consequences in South Africa for driving over the legal drinking limit are either not serious enough, or they are not enforced upon those that commit the crime.

Source 4: JMPD officers refuse to take a R25 229,50 bribe.

Roodepoort Record. (2019). JMPD officers refuse to take a R25 229,50 bribe | Roodepoort Record. [online] Available at: https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2018/11/02/jmpd-officers-refuse-to-take-a-r25-22950-bribe/ [Accessed 17 Feb. 2019].

Summary

In this article, 5 police officers in the Roodepoort area were working their night shift, when on Saturday night, November 2nd, 2018, a blue polo was driving in a very suspicious manor. The 5 police officers pulled the driver over, only to be immediately offered a R5000 bribe, R1000 for each officer. After the officers had turned the bribe down; the suspect raised his bribe to R25 229,50 to escape the police without facing any consequences. The man operating the vehicle had offered the officers a bribe thrice before being taken into the nearest police station. After further investigations, the male driving the blue polo had in fact been operating a stolen vehicle and without the officer’s integrity, this man would have escaped with a stolen vehicle. The officers have been rewarded and the suspect will be making his first appearance in court early 2019.

Value

This article adds value to the research question because it proves that not all officers accept bribes, be it big or small. There are loyal, and hardworking police officers that enforce the laws in Johannesburg.

Reliability

This source is reliable as it has been published on the Roodepoort record. This is a reliable news site for the Roodepoort. There is no author indicated int his article, but it has been well written judging by the use of diction and punctuation. This article is deemed reliable.

Validity

This article is not entirely valid as there is no listed author, and there are no articles to follow up with any new information. Although there is no author, the article was still published on a trusted news page, used by thousands of citizens of Roodepoort, and this site (Roodepoort record) often gives accurate information.

Limitations

This article fails to provide an author’s name and this leaves the reader a little bit skeptical about whether this article is valid or not.

Relevance to the topic

This article is extremely relevant as it informs the reader that not all police accept bribes, this is relevant to the chosen topic as it proves that not all police officers accept bribes, and the laws are enforced.

Conclusion

Upon researching several articles related to the consequences of drunk driving and whether or not they are properly enforced, I have concluded that the laws in South Africa regarding drinking and driving are not properly enforced and the people of Johannesburg often pay a bribe to “clear their names.”. There have been reports and cases where police are caught accepting and asking for bribes, and this just shows how corrupt and unfair the enforcement of the law is. I have concluded that the laws are not properly enforced in Johannesburg, by the JMPD (Johannesburg Metro Police Department).

Methodology

I am going to interview 80+ adult drivers, in and around the Johannesburg area, by the means of Facebook, Instagram, and Email. I will interview my parents, and their friends. I will create an anonymous survey on SurveyMonkey.com allowing people to safeguard their information, for the sake of their identity being kept from the public. I will use the people of Johannesburg as my primary resource.

  • This data will be collected to give an idea of how many people will admit to driving under the influence, and if any had bribed a traffic officer, whether they will anonymously admit to paying a bribe. This information is being collected to answer the chosen topic/question regarding driving under the influence.
  • Primary research will be conducted by the means of an online survey, it is an anonymous survey, it is there to give an idea as to whether people often drive under the influence, and how often bribes are paid and accepted.
  • The sources will be the road-users of Johannesburg, as well as a few JMPD officers and chief officer David Tembe will also be asked to fill out a separate survey regarding his past experiences with being offered bribes, and how he handled the situations.
  • Aimed: 80, but 100 answered surveys is the target.
  • The data will be collected online and captured via Survey Monkey.
  • The data will be collected personally but kept on Survey Monkey.
  • This will allow for people to share the survey by URL and more people would be able to complete the survey. All answers are also sent directly to a personal account.
  • This is how the survey will look: (An appropriate screenshot will be inserted upon creation)

Ethical Issues

The research done and my question asked will only disadvantage those that drive under the legal drinking limit and those that pay and accept bribes. Data will be collected daily, there is only one option to anonymously insert data. There is a possible risk that if people answer the survey it is not done anonymously and this will create a large risk for the participant, it could put their work and social life at risk. All documents will be kept with personally and they will not be published anywhere. The participants will either have the choice of filling the survey in, or they could just leave the survey out and not fill them out. This data will be captured in percentages. This will determine the what the most dominant answer is. The anonymity is catered for, and for their sake it will remain anonymous. The data will be kept safe, in a secure environment, in a folder, and shredded upon completion of this task. The findings are a true account of the result.

Drunk Driving As a Major Issue in the World: Argumentative Essay

Drunk drivers are a worst nightmare to a loving family. If an accident ever occurs the life of an entire family will be struck with lifelong hardships. Not only financial oppression like medical bills or possibly a loss of a vital income, but the emotional tolls will be relentless. Those who must deal with the agony and the thought that the accident was preventable is truly hurting.o I know this because I experienced it first hand, although I didn’t personally know the victim, I still felt the anguish as they lived on the same street as me. It is not surprising that drunk driving is a severe issue in the city of Las Vegas and in fact, drunk driving is accounted for 30 percent of road fatalities in Nevada during 2015 (bdjlaw.com). Although drunk driving rates in Las Vegas, Nevada are decreasing over the last few years we are still not doing enough to solve this major problem. By using facts and statistics, I hope to persuade the sheriff and the LVMPD (Las Vegas Metro Police Department) to act and to decrease drunk driving in significant numbers or to even eliminate it in a whole.

First, I would like to make apparent the negative effects that drunk driving incidents have on loved ones of the victims. This would catch the reader’s attention while also helping them understand the lifelong agony one would go through. I would support this by using people I personally know who has been structed with such a tragic event to someone they know along with my personal experience. On top of that, I would use facts and statistics from credible sources about the seriousness of drunk driving in Las Vegas. For example, Las Vegas Now, a local news outlet, states “Deadly DUI crashes are on the rise across Clark County, and in the state of Nevada,” which then goes on to discuss about recent accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.

To begin, there are many solutions which can be implemented which could seem like they would work but won’t. For example, ignition interlocks, restrictions on hours of alcohol sales, and public relation campaigns are all solutions which wouldn’t entirely work out. To start off, ignition interlocks are a world of trouble when it comes to laws and putting them on other people’s cars. The financial costs would make them nearly impossible to make them become a thing. Next, restrictions on hours of alcohol sales, this can be seen in many states while Nevada has no laws or rules about when alcohol can be sold or served. Nevada falls right into the average for number of DUIs which show that this law would no work. Finally, public relation campaigns, these are seen all the time and it is clear that they have little to no effect compared to what is put into them whether its time or money.

However, the solutions that would work are very simple and easy to do. To start, we need to make the penalty for driving under the influence so stiff people would be too scared to even attempt to make it to their destination. This would make people think twice before sitting behind the wheel while being impaired. Next, we need to lower the blood alcohol limit which would only cause there to be fewer impaired drivers on the road, allowing the roadsto be safer. Finally, but not least, we need to have more sobriety checkpoints. These would allow drivers under the influence to be caught before they can cause harm to someone or something.

The present resolution to this problem is simple: make the penalty for driving under the influence so stiff that no one would want to try, lower the blood alcohol limit for impaired driving, and set up more sobriety checkpoints around densely populated areas which DUIs are caught. This argument will be supported with financial data on how this will be funded and how this would even create a profit for the city. As for the counterarguments some may suggest, I will overcome them with statistics and data to back up why these solutions would work and have worked in the past. Drunk driving is a major issue in the world, and I care about the safety of everyone. Based on the research I have conducted; this change will be beneficial to everyone in the city. With my research and easy solutions, I believe I can convince my audience to act and make these changes.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Essay

The song I chose was ‘Limousines’ by Brand New. This song was dedicated to the family of Katie Flynn. Katie Flynn was a seven-year-old who probably had the best day of her life dressing up as a princess being a flower girl at her aunt’s wedding. There is nothing else better than being a princess for little girls. Katie kept telling her father “This is the best day of my life”. Katie was beyond excited about her participation in her aunt’s wedding. Imagine one summer day, you attend your aunt’s wedding. You are so happy for your aunt that words can’t describe the feeling. On top of it all, you’re the beautiful flower girl. Everyone is so happy this day that you don’t want it to end. You tell your dad this is the happiest day of your life. Of course, until you’re the real princess when it’s your day to get married. But as for Katie, she had to settle for that day being the best day of her life because she would never see her wedding day. On Katie’s way home, while discussing her daily activities that took place at her aunt’s wedding, she was hit by a drunk driver. This drunk driver was so drunk he was going the wrong way on the highway. He didn’t even realize the headlights coming in the same direction he was driving because his blood alcohol level was three times what it should be. Imagine after you realize what took place you check on your seven-year-old daughter to realize that her head is sitting in your lap decapitated. You freak out realizing that your daughter is dead and that you hold her head in your lap.

According to the CDC drivers who maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are considered to be alcohol-impaired by law. Driving while intoxicated has to be one of the most dangerous and selfish things that someone can ever do. Alcohol affects the cerebellum, which is responsible for sensory, motor movements, and speech. So it comes as no surprise when intoxicated, you may experience delayed motor reactions, blurred vision, and slurred speech. These are just the beginning side effects but could progress to incontinence, respiratory depression, and even death. https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/effects/

It wasn’t until 1910 that New York was the first state to pass a law regarding drinking and driving. Twenty-six years later Dr. Harger created the first ‘breathalyzer’. Although drinking and driving were considered taboo and punishable in certain states, it wasn’t until the 70’s-80’s that it became nationwide. The legal age to drink became 21 and specifications on blood alcohol are 0.08%. Like the song this all came about because a thirteen-year-old girl was killed by a drunk driver while walking home from a carnival.

A Brief History of DUI and What We Can Learn

When used in moderation and responsibly, alcohol is not an issue. The issue begins when uneducated and irresponsible people abuse alcohol. It is estimated that 88,000 people die annually from alcohol retaliated deaths. Many people suffer from alcohol addictions. It can range from alcohol use disorder which is the inability to stop or control drinking to binge drinking, where more than 5 glasses are consumed within two hours. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

I would say one solution would be to increase the drinking age in every state. Another solution would be to maybe give harsher punishments for those who are caught drinking and driving. Another solution that they recently started was a breathalyzer. A breathalyzer is an engine interlock device that is connected to the vehicle’s engine. This works by the driver blowing in the breathalyzer so that it can test to see that the breath of the driver is alcohol-free.

I think that the breathalyzer has impacted the drivers in a good way. Although we still have many drivers that drive drunk I’m pretty sure the breathalyzer has saved just as many lives. If you fail the breathalyzer test 3 to 4 times this will encourage the car to do a full shutdown. A full shutdown shores the driver’s safety so that you cannot drive the car. The service provider will have to unlock the car from you for you to get your car back on the road. They also have defensive driving classes for people who violate drunk driving rules.

I would say limousines by Brand New have encountered other people to make the right decisions. This is a very popular song so hopefully, people who drink will remember this song when they think about getting behind the wheel after being intoxicated. This drunk driving has helped organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving. (MADD) Drunk driving is still the #1 cause of the most deaths on the roads.

Every 50 minutes there’s a death due to a drunk driver. Every day 300,00 people are killed due to a motor vehicle accident involving an alcohol-impaired driver. So by the time you finish reading this paper, there will be another crash somewhere due to drunk driving.