I love to party. On a weekend, there is nothing better than going to a house party with my friends and getting loaded. By three in the morning everybody is totally hammered – everybody but one person. There is always that one person who nursed one beer all night, the one who laughs along with everyone and plays cards but never seems to finish that beer.
You know whom I’m talking about – the one who has the keys. As corny as it sounds, the designated driver is so important. You’ve heard it before, but unfortunately, many need to hear it again.
A friend of mine told me a story yesterday, a story I wish I hadn’t heard because I wish it had never happened. My friend told me of a friend of hers, “Roger.” I’ve met Roger. He seemed like your average college student. He liked to party and loved to drink. This weekend Roger went to a party; he drank a few beers and should not have been driving. We all wish he hadn’t decided to.
As he was driving home on the highway he lost control of his car and swerved into the breakdown lane. Two young men were pulled over because one of their trucks had been having engine trouble. Roger swerved right where the two men were standing.
His car struck and killed both men.
They were both young, neither older than 24. They hadn’t done anything wrong. It was just a tragic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Roger’s life is now ruined. He has to forever hold the guilt of leaving parents childless, friends friendless and one little girl fatherless. He is facing vehicular manslaughter charges, among others. He will probably go to jail for a very long time. Three men’s lives are over because of one awful decision.
Even if Roger is found innocent and does not have to go to jail, he will forever be affected by this weekend’s events. Not only will he always feel responsible for those deaths, but Roger may never walk again. In the accident he was badly injured, and his legs may never regain their function.
I have always been a firm believer in the importance of having a “DD.” Everyone always hears horror stories about drunk driving accidents. I always believed it wouldn’t happen to anyone I knew. Well, even though I was never close with Roger, this has affected me. I have seen my friend distraught and terrified for her friend. Roger was your average college student; it could have been any of us.
It is a reality check of the worst kind.
I took my turn as DD this weekend. I hadn’t even heard my friend’s story at the time, but I’m glad I was able to safely take all of my friend’s home. As much as I hate being designated driver, I take the job very seriously. I have gotten into countless cars with drunk drivers and haven’t even realized the danger I had put myself in until I woke up the next morning. The responsibility of other people’s lives in my hands is frightening enough sober, much less drunk. I don’t think I would ever be able to live with myself if I killed anyone, whether it was my best friend or some innocent person I had never met just because I couldn’t give up one night of drinking.
I have never been a part of a drunk driving accident. I never want to be. I do my best to stay out of them. I take my turn as DD, I try to plan out who my driver is ahead of time, and if I end up without a sober ride, I walk or crash at the party. It’s pretty easy, and for those of you who are laughing at me and my maternal lecture, I hope you remain as lucky as I have been. But you never know what will happen on your way home from that next party, so be careful. It’s not just your own life that you can ruin.
Molly Eggleston is a Collegian columnist.
