By Meleah Treadaway

Special to The Luverne Journal

The South Central Alabama Mental Health Center aims to educate the community on the risks associated with driving under the influence. With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, alcohol sales are on the rise… and so is drunk driving.  

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Memorial Day weekend is one of the most dangerous weekends in Alabama. It’s the unofficial kickoff to summer, and naturally, many people will be on the roads as they travel to celebrate the holiday. At many of these celebrations, there will be alcohol. This means there will be drinking, and unfortunately, this also means there will be drinking, driving and dying.  

More traffic on the road (and more drunk drivers) means that there will be an increased police presence across the state. These officers are here to keep Alabamians safe. If you plan on drinking, remember that if you decide to drive under the influence: 

– You will be caught. 

– You will be arrested.  

– You will be charged.  

– And you very likely will be convicted.  

If convicted of driving under the influence – even if it’s your very first offense– you risk: 

– Up to 1 year in jail (or more for multiple offenses); 

– Thousands of dollars in fines; 

– A suspended license; 

– Having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle; 

– Mandatory substance abuse treatment; and 

– Mandatory probation. 

Depending on your circumstances, you could also lose your job, custody of your children, and other personal/professional relationships.  

Still, there’re worse things you can do than be arrested for driving under the influence. You can die, or you can kill someone – maybe even someone you love. Approximately 29 Americans die every day in accidents involving a driver under the influence. Over one-third of traffic fatalities involve a driver with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit. The legal limit is 0.08 g/dL in Alabama, which is about 4-5 standard drinks. If you’re under 21, it’s even lower at 0.02 g/dL.  

Don’t be a statistic! You can make a difference and help save lives in your state. Let your friends and family know about what they’re risking if they drink and drive. Don’t accept a ride with a person under the influence. When going out, always have a designated driver. If you’ve been drinking and don’t have a sober ride, call someone or order from a rideshare service.  Hosting? Have non-alcoholic options ready and ensure that all your guests leave with a sober 

driver. You can be held legally responsible for any accidents or deaths if you knowingly supplied someone with alcohol and allowed them to drive while visibly intoxicated. 

Someone cares about you and your safety! The South Central Alabama Mental Health Center cares. We care a lot! 

Remember: Drive sober and arrive alive!

Meleah Treadaway is a prevention associate with South Central Alabama Mental Health.