Don't Drink And Drive

[korme]

Not For The Easy Quesy (http://www.hot.ee/dontdrink)

[Marmel]

fucked up. :(

[Craptacular]

It's sad that it takes stuff like this to make someone think twice about drinking and driving. I hope her story helps keep these assholes off the road. Too bad the penalties for drunk driving aren't severe enough to really discourage it.

[tucker342]

holy shit... that's really sad:(

[Cowtown]

She has been on TV several times speaking out against DWI.

[sabotai]

That's totally fucked up...not kidding when I say my jaw hit the ground when I saw the "after" picture...that's fuckin horrible.

Anyone who drinks and drive should bemade to go through what she looks liek she's been through. Just horrible.

[JeeberD]

Yeah, I've seen one of her ads. Very sobering stuff (no pun intended)...

[AgPete]

So don't drink and drive or you'll make someone really, really ugly?

[MizzouRah]

I've seen that before, I'm glad lunch is a few hours away!

Todd

[Schmidty]

Originally posted by AgPete
So don't drink and drive or you'll make someone really, really ugly?

Are you always so insensitive?

[Philliesfan980]

"Anyone who drinks and drive should bemade to go through what she looks liek she's been through. Just horrible."

The problem is alot of drunks are selfish assholes anyway, so they wouldn't really care about what happens to the other person in the accident. I'm still sick to my stomach after seeing the "after" pictures of that poor girl. I think that each of the girl's family members should get to have 5 minutes each with that person who caused this to beat the shit out of them. The drunk would still come out of all of that with less damage than the girl.

[Fritz]

relative to what else we allow, I don't have a problem with drinking and driving.

[sachmo71]

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
"Anyone who drinks and drive should bemade to go through what she looks liek she's been through. Just horrible."

The problem is alot of drunks are selfish assholes anyway, so they wouldn't really care about what happens to the other person in the accident. I'm still sick to my stomach after seeing the "after" pictures of that poor girl. I think that each of the girl's family members should get to have 5 minutes each with that person who caused this to beat the shit out of them. The drunk would still come out of all of that with less damage than the girl.


It's not "drunks" that are the only problem. Even casual drinkers drive when they shouldn't. In fact, because they don't drink as often, they may be more impared then they realize. It took something similar to this to make me decide to never drive after I had been drinking. If it keeps even one person from getting behind the wheel when they shouldn't, then it's worth it.

[sachmo71]

Here is a story about Jacqui...it's long but very moving.

http://www.statesman.com/specialreports/content/specialreports/jacqui/


Here is a site where you can find out what Jacqui is doing now, and you can help out if you so choose.


http://www.helpjacqui.com/home.htm

[Anrhydeddu]

It's not "drunks" that are the only problem. Even casual drinkers drive when they shouldn't. In fact, because they don't drink as often, they may be more impared then they realize. It took something similar to this to make me decide to never drive after I had been drinking. If it keeps even one person from getting behind the wheel when they shouldn't, then it's worth it.

I agree completely. If I am driving, I will not even touch alcohol.

[Anrhydeddu]

You tell that to her, Fritz.

[Draft Dodger]

just the other afternoon, some jackass here in town got drunk, got on his Harley and started riding home. in his haze, he turned onto a pedestrian-only bike path and plowed into an 8 year old girl.

she's going to be relatively ok - she had surgery already to repair some facial stuff, she's going to have a pretty decent scar on her chest, and she may lose her 2 front teeth (permanents). I'm not sure I can say the same about her father (a co-worker), who was with her at the time - he wasn't hit, but he's going to be scarred for life.

[Draft Dodger]

dola,
as a rule, I won't drive after having one drink either.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Anrhydeddu
You tell that to her, Fritz.

Not a problem

[Craptacular]

Originally posted by Fritz
relative to what else we allow, I don't have a problem with drinking and driving.

Wow, I don't even know how to respond to that.

[KWhit]

Originally posted by Fritz
Not a problem

I don't know if you're just trying to be funny or not, but this is kind of shitty.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Craptacular
Wow, I don't even know how to respond to that.

You could start by saying "you are absolutely correct."

[Philliesfan980]

Fritz;

Maybe you could explain your position a little better?

[Anrhydeddu]

Here's how I read that: Since there are other immoralities as well, perhaps some that are worse, than we shouldn't have any morals.

[sachmo71]

If you are going to bite, don't complain when you choke on the bait.

[KWhit]

Huh?

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
Fritz;

Maybe you could explain your position a little better?

"relative to what else we allow"

Americans have NO issue with driving while impaired or with diminished capacity. Take a high blood pressure medication, a weight loss pill, or an over the counter antihistamine? Then you are (or may be) putting other people at risk when you drive. The list of commonly used medications that impair driving is quite long.

There are a host of acceptable impairments and reasons for diminished capacity that we readily accept. "Drinking and Driving" is a pop-cause bandwagon that many climb on, but these many of same people have no problem driving impaired.

So relative to our societal apathy when it comes to impaired driving or driving with diminished capacity, I have no problem with drinking and driving.

[Draft Dodger]

just 2 hours ago, I was at the hospital - my son was having his eyes checked.

while waiting, I heard another doctor telling a patient he was glad she was getting a ride home after whatever eye procedure he had done. he said that it does impair driving, but, even so, about 90% of people drive themselves home anyway...

[cincyreds]

Very sad indeed.

My heart really goes out to her.

I know inside it is probably tearing her up, to look at herself.

I bet the beauty is still inside of her though.

(Speechless)

[HornsManiac]

What about old friggin' senior citizens who drive 20 mph. and cannot see 20 feet in front of their car?

What about the people who cannot drive without a cigarette in one hand and a cell phone in the other?

What about the over the counter meds Fritz mentioned?

What about the guy/woman who just got through working a double shift and needs to get back home and it is over an hour away?

What about all of the kids who are driving with only days, weeks, or months of driving experience?

What about the cops who drive 90 mph. with their lights flashing so that they can hurry up and get to a friggin' Dunkin Donuts faster?

Drinking and driving is only one of MANY dangerous things people can do behind the wheel of a car. However, it generally catches the hell only because it is more publicized.

HornsManiac

[Fritz]

egad. Horns and I are on a similar side...

[sachmo71]

Exactly, guys. Drinking and driving is no more dangerous than getting behind the wheel after taking a Claratin. Or than following behind a 90 year old who can't see. I might even agree with the Cop-donut analogy, but sometimes they are responding to real calls, so I'll throw that one out.

No, drinking and driving is only bad because it's more publicized.



:rolleyes:

[KWhit]

Ummm... That still doesn't make drinking and driving okay, HM and Fritz.

[KWhit]

Originally posted by sachmo71
Exactly, guys. Drinking and driving is no more dangerous than getting behind the wheel after taking a Claratin.

Are you joking?

[Fritz]

Originally posted by KWhit
Ummm... That still doesn't make drinking and driving okay, HM and Fritz.

Why should we care about drinking and driving any more or less than we care about other sources of impairment?

[Fritz]

Originally posted by KWhit
Are you joking?


http://my.webmd.com/content/article/22/1728_55465.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

(you need to C&P that link)

Vital Information:

A new study shows that taking common, over-the-counter antihistamines that contain diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, can impair a person's ability to drive, even more so than being legally drunk.

There are other antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, but these are more expensive and are available by prescription only.

Participants in the study were not able to evaluate their own level of drowsiness, so it is important for consumers to read and follow medication labels.

[Marmel]

Without any statistics whatsoever, maybe Drinking and driving cause more accidents than Claritin and driving?

[KWhit]

I would like to see the numbers of people killed via drinking and driving versus those killed by drinking and claritin-taking.

To me it's not about comparing the impairment of taking an antihistamine to someone who is "legally drunk". IMO, the threshold for legally drunk is way too low.

But, there are people out there who drink 15-20 drinks and then try to drive home. I think that impairs people a bit more than a Claritin.

[HornedFrog Purple]

Exiting stage right from the meat of this discussion, if you do happen to believe a police or emergency vehicle is recklessly endangering via driving you are within your rights to report them to their respective office.

Your identity will remain anonymous. This may not apply to all local areas, but it does here.

Just a FYI.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by Fritz
The list of commonly used medications that impair driving is quite long.Let's not forget (according to the prevailing attitude) that while drinking and driving is terrible and reckless, driving after using drugs is just peachy, even kind of cool.

[Anrhydeddu]

You are missing the point. When a tragedy happens to oneself or to a loved one, that becomes the focus of attention - as it should. It is hard for anyone to relate to a tragedy if they are not emotionally attached. If you are maimed or lost a loved due to drunk drivers (and there are many), I absolutely appaud those that will take the time and effort (and courage) to speak out against that. In her case, because of her courage, do you think it might make a difference in at least one person's life? The same thing can be said for losing a loved one to a form of cancer. Because of the close connection to this form of tragedy, they would perhaps be involved with others that are going through the same thing or have donations made to the Cancer Society. The list goes on and on.

If one person speaks up about one thing, perhaps it can make a difference for the better. If a thousand people can speak up about a thousand things (as oppose to apathy), then more of a difference can be made.

This is all about changing things for the better. How can you (generically-speaking) be arrogant and selfish enough to say to any one person that what they had gone through is not important? It may not be to you but the effort to change someone's behavior for the better (i.e., preventing further tragdies) can only be encouraged.

[Fritz]

http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/00n1256/ch00052.pdf

"These estimates are based on studies that tested for sedating antihistamines in the blood of drivers involved in fatal accidents. Since 1992, when Claritin was introduced in the United
States, nearly 5,000 people have died in wrecks caused by sedating antihistamines, USA TODAY estimates."

"European researchers have done more than 50 studies that use real-world driving tests to compare the effects of antihistamines and alcohol. They found that a single dose of Benadryl is equivalent to a blood-alcohol content of .09-- higher than the .08 level that makes a driver legally drunk in many states. In March, a study in the Annals ofhternal Medicine used computerized driving simulators to confirm that driving under the influence of Benadryl is similar to driving drunk."

"It is illegal to drive under the influence of sedating antihistamines in 35 states, though prosecutions are rare."

"The results are especially worrisome, researchers say, because studies show that people don’t realize that they are affected and that impairment can last a full day after taking a sedating antihistamine. “People don’t feel sedated, so they don’t take precautions seriously,” says Kay, the Georgetown psychologist. “But they’re no better judges of impairment than a drunk is of drunkenness.”

Sedating antihistamines are the drug found most often in the blood of pilots killed in private plane crashes. The National Transportation Safety Board reports that sedating antihistamines have been found in the blood of more than 100 pilots involved in fatal plane crashes since 1987.

In a typical case, the NTSB explained a 1996 crash that killed two in Utah this way: “Probable cause: the pilot’s impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs (diphenhydramine) which led to spatiaI disorientation and loss of aircrafl control. ”

[Fritz]

Thinking out loud, but without facts or figures:

We don't know the impact of many other sources of impariment, because we don't test for them. The few studies I have read that cite something like Claritin as a contributer to a fataility always seem to be found during autopsy. In other words, it is only found when the user dies.

[Craptacular]

I have a problem with people driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, insomnia, whatever. I also have a problem with someone saying the driving drunk is OK because our society doesn't focus on other impairments as much.

[ctmason]

Although I'm very sensitive to the public education efforts against drunk driving, Fritz and Horns bring up good points.

Drunk driving causes a LOT of accidents, and a LOT of fatalities every year. The same goes for other forms of "influence" when driving. These include medications, distractions and lack of sleep.

What needs to happen, is that ALL forms of influence are penalized. Driving Under the Influence should apply to those who drive knowingly under medications that impair their judgement or motor functions (i.e. drowsiness), alcohol, narcotics, handheld cell phones (my opinion here), etc.

I don't know how many people drive while they're sleepy, or drive after taking a Zyrtec or some such. I've done both, and it was a stupid, stupid, dangerous thing to do.

I don't know how many people cause accidents because they're sleepy, but I'd be willing to bet that more people have died in drunk driving related accidents that because people were drowsy from medications. Just my guess, could be wrong.

Rather than saying we don't have a problem with drunk driving, or blasting it as "pop culture," why not use the publicity wagon to inform and educate others on the very serious risks of other forms of DUI?

Just a thought.

[Butter]

Originally posted by Fritz
relative to what else we allow, I don't have a problem with drinking and driving.

I'm sure that when she learns she doesn't have the Fritz vote, she'll be all broken up.

[korme]

Originally posted by Craptacular
I have a problem with people driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, insomnia, whatever. I also have a problem with someone saying the driving drunk is OK because our society doesn't focus on other impairments as much.

Well said!

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Butter_of_69
I'm sure that when she learns she doesn't have the Fritz vote, she'll be all broken up.

vote on what? I haven't said anything abot the girl.

[HornedFrog Purple]

Although I have no empirical evidence other than my memory from dealing with situations such as these on practically a daily basis, from my experience drunk drivers end up maiming themselves more than what is usually reported.

Accidents from drunk drivers are I would say more brutal than some of the other instances. I usually remember them a lot longer than other incidents for whatever reason. This does not make other incidents any less tragic. However being distracted, doped up through whatever means or just being in a hurry adds up to a lot of needless accidents.

[Ksyrup]

Originally posted by Craptacular
I have a problem with people driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, insomnia, whatever. I also have a problem with someone saying the driving drunk is OK because our society doesn't focus on other impairments as much.

Rather than post a way too long response to all of this (as the attorney in me is compelled to do), I'll bite my tongue and just say - "What he said."

The way to solve a problem is to excuse similar problems that get more attention. Great thinking.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Ksyrup

The way to solve a problem is to excuse similar problems that get more attention. Great thinking.

As a society we have said that the "similar" problems are not problems at all.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Its so sad that something like this happens on a daily basis .
Such a young promising life extinguished at the blink of an eye .....t

[sachmo71]

Chem, she's still alive.

[Ksyrup]

Originally posted by Fritz
As a society we have said that the "similar" problems are not problems at all.


No, we haven't. People aren't educated enough to understand what the problem is. Lack of response does not always equal acceptance of a practice, and certainly not a "knowing" acceptance in any event. As with most things, it will take the death of a well-known personality or an overwhelmingly tragic occasion to get people to recognize the issue.

But taking the attitude that driving drunk is OK because driving while impaired by other means is not well-publicized, is not a solution at all. That's like suggesting that we should let people die of AIDS because, in your opinion, AIDs treatment gets more publicity than colon cancer treatment. How does that help either situation?

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by CHEMICAL SOLDIER
Such a young promising life extinguished at the blink of an eye ....This is either a touching sentiment, or the most tasteless joke I've seen here in weeks.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Ksyrup
No, we haven't. People aren't educated enough to understand what the problem is. Lack of response does not always equal acceptance of a practice, and certainly not a "knowing" acceptance in any event. As with most things, it will take the death of a well-known personality or an overwhelmingly tragic occasion to get people to recognize the issue.


We are teetering on a "no it isn't" "yes it is" argument.

Everything I see points to a society that has made a value decision and is tolerant of impaired driving. Hell, in some cases we reward people for impaired driving. I don't feel this is an education issue, but more of a value issue. I am not going to demonize the drunk driver for being on the seedy side of a tolerated behavior.

[KWhit]

Originally posted by Fritz
Hell, in some cases we reward people for impaired driving.

How so?

[Fritz]

Originally posted by KWhit
How so?

Work late, drive to work early and groggy - you are hard charger!

Sick mom takes some allergey pills and takes the soccer kids to their game - SUPERMOM!

FOFC poster takes his Ziac every morning and then drives to work. Gets paid.

[KWhit]

Originally posted by Fritz
Work late, drive to work early and groggy - you are hard charger!

Sick mom takes some allergey pills and takes the soccer kids to their game - SUPERMOM!

FOFC poster takes his Ziac every morning and then drives to work. Gets paid.

Damn! You've convinced me.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by KWhit
Damn! You've convinced me.

no smiley.... don't know how to take this....

[Ksyrup]

Originally posted by Fritz
We are teetering on a "no it isn't" "yes it is" argument.

Everything I see points to a society that has made a value decision and is tolerant of impaired driving. Hell, in some cases we reward people for impaired driving. I don't feel this is an education issue, but more of a value issue. I am not going to demonize the drunk driver for being on the seedy side of a tolerated behavior.

So it's OK to do illegal drugs and people who do drugs shouldn't be held accountable for doing drugs or for the damage/injuries they cause, because society has determined that they are on the "seedy side" of a tolerated behavior in other circumstances - alcohol, pain medication, etc.?

That's a mighty slippery slope.

[Fritz]

Oh no, I never said anything about accountability. You seem to keep adding stuff to broaden the discussion.

[Ksyrup]

Alright, throw out the "accountability" stuff. Certain drugs are illegal. Your position seems to be that doing illegal drugs is OK - and you would, if not condone it, permit it to occur, because society has determined that the users of certain drugs are on the "seedy side" of a tolerated behavior in other circumstances, such as alcohol, pain medication, etc.

Again, same conclusion from my end - that's a slippery slope. Why not permit murder, since killing is "justifiable" by law in certain circumstances? Laws exist for a reason - and should be enforced. That would include the laws in 35 states, I think it was, that would make the type of behavior you have pointed out illegal as well. We do not disagree about that. My problem is that your "solution" is no solution at all.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Ksyrup
Alright, throw out the "accountability" stuff. Certain drugs are illegal. Your position seems to be that doing illegal drugs is OK - and you would, if not condone it, permit it to occur, because society has determined that the users of certain drugs are on the "seedy side" of a tolerated behavior in other circumstances, such as alcohol, pain medication, etc.

Again, same conclusion from my end - that's a slippery slope. Why not permit murder, since killing is "justifiable" by law in certain circumstances? Laws exist for a reason - and should be enforced. That would include the laws in 35 states, I think it was, that would make the type of behavior you have pointed out illegal as well. We do not disagree about that. My problem is that your "solution" is no solution at all.

I am not offering a solution. I am just saying that given the tollerance we have for impaired driving that I have a tollerance for driving drunk.

This doesn't mean I endorse it or that I want to legalize it, I just have a tolerence for it.

[Butter]

Originally posted by Fritz
I am just saying that given the tollerance we have for impaired driving...


I think your basic assumption is flawed, but I guess we'll just have to disagree. If most states declare something is illegal, I hardly think it is tolerated. DUI's are tolerated in some areas, not everyone who is arrested on suspicion ends up being prosecuted, especially if it is a first offense.

[Craptacular]

Originally posted by Fritz
I just have a tolerence for it.

Are you a member of a tavern league Fritz? Those are about the only people I know of that would tolerate drunk driving. I'm almost tempted to go punch some bar owners after some of the comments I've seen them make in my state lately.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Butter_of_69
I think your basic assumption is flawed, but I guess we'll just have to disagree. If most states declare something is illegal, I hardly think it is tolerated. DUI's are tolerated in some areas, not everyone who is arrested on suspicion ends up being prosecuted, especially if it is a first offense.

Don't look at the laws, look a the enforcement. Not just for this, for everything.

[Ksyrup]

Exactly. The legislatures of 35 states have specifically declared those acts to be illegal. I bet there are more general laws which could also arguably be used as enforcement mechanisms in other states, if necessary. Since the legislature is expressing the will of the "people"... those acts are not tolerated in the vast majority of states.

Enforcement is another issue.

[Ksyrup]

Originally posted by Fritz
Don't look at the laws, look a the enforcement. Not just for this, for everything.

Just so I get this straight, I think what you are saying is that you would tolerate non-enforcement of drunk driving laws since similar laws, to the extent they exist, are not being enforced against groggy/prescription-popping drivers? That's what I understand your position to be. And again, I say that if both are problems, the solution is not to ignore them equally, but to treat them equally.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Craptacular
Are you a member of a tavern league Fritz? Those are about the only people I know of that would tolerate drunk driving. I'm almost tempted to go punch some bar owners after some of the comments I've seen them make in my state lately.

I am not sure what a tavern league is.

Personally: I have driven drunk a handfull of times a long time ago. I don't drink and drive (or med and drive for that matter) because I am an exceptionally poor driver when not in my right mind.

I think most people don't get really fucked up and drive because they know it is dangerous (to themselves.) I think most people don't get a little drunk because they want to avoid legal problems.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Ksyrup
Just so I get this straight, I think what you are saying is that you would tolerate non-enforcement of drunk driving laws since similar laws, to the extent they exist, are not being enforced against groggy/prescription-popping drivers? That's what I understand your position to be. And again, I say that if both are problems, the solution is not to ignore them equally, but to treat them equally.

Hear me now and believe me later...


I AM NOT PROPOSING A SOLUTION

[HornsManiac]

Originally posted by Ksyrup
Just so I get this straight, I think what you are saying is that you would tolerate non-enforcement of drunk driving laws since similar laws, to the extent they exist, are not being enforced against groggy/prescription-popping drivers? That's what I understand your position to be. And again, I say that if both are problems, the solution is not to ignore them equally, but to treat them equally.

I think everyone is closer to being on the same page than they realize. I never said drunk driving is okay or even acceptable. What I said is we should also crack down on the other impaired drivers on the roads and do so with as much passion as we have for stopping drunk drivers.

Society in general has little tolerance for drunk driving and neither do our laws. However, that is where the system and society is really flawed. If I am going home from an 18 hour shift and weaving on the road from being drowsy would a cop stop me if he saw me? Yeah, he would, but when he saw that I wasn't drunk he would tell me to buy some coffee, pull over and take a nap, or stop and exercise on the side of the road, or whatever it takes to get me alert again. He would NOT arrest me and take me to jail. That is the problem we see and the gist of our arguement.

I have one more question for you guys. Who is more dangerous driving down a freeway at 70 mph an awake drunk or someone who isn't awake at all?

HornsManiac

[Ksyrup]

I think that's the problem. You don't offer a solution, just a suggestion that because one is ignored, it's OK to ignore the other.

If either or both are problems, shouldn't we be looking for solutions?

[Craptacular]

Originally posted by Fritz
I am not sure what a tavern league is.


Sorry, the name might be a Wisconsin thing. I'm sure they have similar groups in other states. It's basically a lobbying group for bar owners.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Ksyrup
I think that's the problem. You don't offer a solution, just a suggestion that because one is ignored, it's OK to ignore the other.


Do you want to keep fictionalizing my opinion?

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Craptacular
Sorry, the name might be a Wisconsin thing. I'm sure they have similar groups in other states. It's basically a lobbying group for bar owners.

There are no bars in Virginia, just resturants.

I did manage a spirit selling resutrant for a while, but that is not where my opinion comes from.

[Ksyrup]

"relative to our societal apathy when it comes to impaired driving or driving with diminished capacity, I have no problem with drinking and driving."

Call it what you want, I call it like I see it.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by Ksyrup
"relative to our societal apathy when it comes to impaired driving or driving with diminished capacity, I have no problem with drinking and driving."

Call it what you want, I call it like I see it.

"relative to our societal apathy"

[Ksyrup]

Look, it's not my intention to argue over semantics. I think we both made our point and would agree that equal attention and enforcement on both issues is needed. My only beef with your entire theme is that you have "no problem" with one illegal act because another, similar illegal act is not being paid enough attention. That's all it boils down to.

[AgPete]

Originally posted by Schmidty

Originally posted by AgPete:
So don't drink and drive or you'll make someone really, really ugly?

Are you always so insensitive?

That's the message I get from this. Let's parade poor little freak girl around to trumpet our cause! I feel terrible for that girl that she looks so hideous now that society will never accept her again. The first thing we look at is her disfigurement and realize how she will never be able to live a normal life. Shame on our society for being like that (me included), and shame on causes that pick a "freak of the year" to parade their cause!

Do I think only drunk drivers cause this type of injury? No. Hell, I blame the car as much as I do the drunk driver. How many cars do you know that combust that quickly causing those types of burns? (BTW, I wonder if they checked the automobile for defects.) We have soldiers coming back from the Persian Gulf that may look like this. What do we do for them? Like Fritz and Horns have mentioned, there are many, many other things that lead to irresponsible drinking.

Sorry, I just don't get the same kneejerk reaction after looking at the picture. That doesn't mean I don't feel for the poor little girl in the accident though.

[rexalllsc]

Originally posted by AgPete
That's the message I get from this. Let's parade poor little freak girl around to trumpet our cause! I feel terrible for that girl that she looks so hideous now that society will never accept her again. The first thing we look at is her disfigurement and realize how she will never be able to live a normal life. Shame on our society for being like that (me included), and shame on causes that pick a "freak of the year" to parade their cause!

Do I think only drunk drivers cause this type of injury? No. Hell, I blame the car as much as I do the drunk driver. How many cars do you know that combust that quickly causing those types of burns? (BTW, I wonder if they checked the automobile for defects.) We have soldiers coming back from the Persian Gulf that may look like this. What do we do for them? Like Fritz and Horns have mentioned, there are many, many other things that lead to irresponsible drinking.

Sorry, I just don't get the same kneejerk reaction after looking at the picture. That doesn't mean I don't feel for the poor little girl in the accident though.

That's like blaming guns, and not the person pointing the gun. "I wonder if they checked the automobile for defects" WTF? IT'S AN OBJECT WEIGHING TWO TONS MOVING AT 60+ MPH.

Edited: Don't be a dipshit.

[AgPete]

Originally posted by rexalllsc
That's like blaming guns, and not the person pointing the gun. "I wonder if they checked the automobile for defects" WTF? IT'S AN OBJECT WEIGHING TWO TONS MOVING AT 60+ MPH.

You're a fucking dipshit.

How many cars do you know that catch on fire that quickly during an accident? I'm not blaming the car, I'm saying this is a very rare situation. Obviously, your chances of causing this type of injury to someone after hitting them in a car, alcohol or no alcohol, is very, very low. And what do we do about the other unforunate souls that suffered these types of injuries in an auto accident but they weren't hit by a drunk driver? MADD or any other organization doesn't have to parade this poor girl around like a circus tent freak to stress their message. It's pretty obvious how stupid it is to drink and drive. The people that should get the message are going to drink and drive no matter what. They never learn until it's too late. Read my response again, I don't think you got the point.

[rexalllsc]

Originally posted by AgPete
How many cars do you know that catch on fire that quickly during an accident? I'm not blaming the car, I'm saying this is a very rare situation. Obviously, your chances of causing this type of injury to someone after hitting them in a car, alcohol or no alcohol, is very, very low. And what do we do about the other unforunate souls that suffered these types of injuries in an auto accident but they weren't hit by a drunk driver? MADD or any other organization doesn't have to parade this poor girl around like a circus tent freak to stress their message. It's pretty obvious how stupid it is to drink and drive. The people that should get the message are going to drink and drive no matter what. They never learn until it's too late. Read my response again, I don't think you got the point.

The point is, driving drunk makes an already dangerous activity even more dangerous. To get into an accident and become deformed is horrible...to get into an accident and become deformed as a direct result of another persons negligence and selfishness is even worse.

THAT IS THE POINT.

[AgPete]

Originally posted by rexalllsc
The point is, driving drunk makes an already dangerous activity even more dangerous. To get into an accident and become deformed is horrible...to get into an accident and become deformed as a direct result of another persons negligence and selfishness is even worse.

THAT IS THE POINT.

And I get it but I still think it's in poor taste to post this girl's pictures everywhere because you know it will make people gag. I'm sorry the guy that was paralyzed in a drunk driving accident wasn't enough shock media, or the picture of a tombstone that has an eight year old kid killed in a drunk driving accident. I wonder how much the organizations against drunk driving really care about this girl except that they can use her for shocking images.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by rexalllsc
The point is, driving drunk makes an already dangerous activity even more dangerous. To get into an accident and become deformed is horrible...to get into an accident and become deformed as a direct result of another persons negligence and selfishness is even worse.

THAT IS THE POINT.

you are right! we should BAN people who are on many antihistamines from driving. selfish bastards!

people on most high blood pressure medication should lose their license as well as most asthmatics. Get pain medication or cough syrup from your doctor, lose your license for 10 days! Diagnosed with a sleep disorder, your driving privileges are revoked!

[rexalllsc]

Originally posted by AgPete
And I get it but I still think it's in poor taste to post this girl's pictures everywhere because you know it will make people gag. I'm sorry the guy that was paralyzed in a drunk driving accident wasn't enough shock media, or the picture of a tombstone that has an eight year old kid killed in a drunk driving accident. I wonder how much the organizations against drunk driving really care about this girl except that they can use her for shocking images.

What would you say is an effective campaign against drunk driving, then? Reality is usually the best, IMO.

[rexalllsc]

Originally posted by Fritz
you are right! we should BAN people who are on many antihistamines from driving. selfish bastards!

people on most high blood pressure medication should lose their license as well as most asthmatics. Get pain medication or cough syrup from your doctor, lose your license for 10 days! Diagnosed with a sleep disorder, your driving privileges are revoked!

Medications which will make you drowsy have warnings against driving while taking them.

Driving is a privelege, not a right.

[Fritz]

Originally posted by rexalllsc
Medications which will make you drowsy have warnings against driving while taking them.

Driving is a privelege, not a right.

I am glad you agree

[Craptacular]

AgPete, if you read some articles about her, it seems she's quite motivated to promote this cause herself. It's not just a case of some radical group exploiting her.