Drunk Drivers

Responding to Gary A. Robb’s letter about drunk driving (June 12), which was responding to Sgt. Roger Ferguson’s letter (June 4), we are convinced that the good sergeant has it right and Mr. Robb has it wrong when he says, “How can harsh penalties influence those incapable of comprehending them or realizing the consequences of their actions.”

Robb’s attitude is a major part of the problem in our society: That because a person has been drinking, they are somehow less guilty or didn’t really mean it and, therefore, should be excused from the responsibility for their actions. Robb should know that it is the social drinker who is more dangerous to us than the chronic alcoholic.

Drunk driving is a crime that produces thousands of innocent victims. Drunk driving kills a person every 22 minutes, 365 days a year . . . and it is preventable. Drunk driving causes 560,000 injuries a year . . . over one per minute . . . and it is preventable. Drunk driving is no accident! It is a crime that is totally preventable! We, Sgt. Ferguson, and many others work to “civilize” our society, to put an end to the social acceptability of drinking and driving and the needless tragedy it inevitably brings.

We suggest that the decision to drink and drive is dangerous anti-social behavior, and it is that decision that makes the drunk driver guilty.

SANDY FREEMAN

ROD LOOMIS

Co-Presidents

LA MADD