Driving has always been, and will always be dangerous. Since the first automobile was invented in 1886, improvements have been made. Such as airbags, seatbelts and sensors. Every US citizen is allowed to have a license to drive a car. through a written test, and a road test these licenses may be earned for each individual who is 16 years of age or older. And when combined with the natural dangers of the road adding a distracted much less intoxicated teenager certainly doesn’t help the matter at hand.

Diving is dangerous no matter the conditions. But when combining driving with people that have been driving a very short amount of time, with alcohol it has a much larger chance of becoming dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 32 percent of all accidents were a direct cause of drunk driving.

High School is an exciting time for many. With new adventures and freedom found at every door. This feeling of freedom can often lead to poor decision making especially when referring to teenagers. Though high school is a time to step outside your comfort zone and make bad decisions there is no reason these decisions need to be lethal.

California State portal estimates that eight teenagers die every day due to drunk driving. With Prom, Homecoming and even just football games many are drinking alcohol. But there is always a way to avoid driving while under the influence.

But the most important and responsible way to do this is to not drink while underage. Underage drinking is first and most importantly illegal for all under the age of 21 in the US. Alcohol is never something to play around with and neither is driving.

With modern inventions driving while intoxicated is something people can no longer make excuses for. With rideshare services at almost every corner in the US, there is no need to drive. And though some may say that these services cost money. While this is true risking your own life and the lives of anyone else that may be on the road is worth any amount you may have to pay.

In 2022 an average of 37 people died every day due to drunk driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Teens from all over may claim they attempted to drive while intoxicated due to fear of their parent’s or guardians’ reactions to their underage drinking. But in the end, the only thing that matters is everyone’s safety while on the road.

So before deciding to drive while intoxicated, think of the lives that are at risk. Putting down the keys and calling a trusted adult to help provide a safer environment.