Why is it that at the end of every year, we take it upon ourselves to get up in the morning with the intention of killing other people and or ourselves? If you don't believe me then consider this, would you walk beside someone holding a live grenade with the pin out of it? This person could claim that it's perfectly safe and there is nothing wrong with what they are doing and they don't feel affected by any of the drinks they have been consuming.
Why is this still an issue?
It's actually gotten worse, not better, because it's not only DUI's happening, now you can be charged with an impaired, and this includes, being high and cellphone use. In Toronto if you are stopped by a officer of the law, and you are holding your cell in your hand while sitting behind the wheel, even if it is off, you will be charged with a 615.00 dollar fine.
In 2017 the police responded to 8,711 road accidents that were linked to driver
inattention. There were 83 related deaths compared to 75 death related
to speeding, 49 to a lack of seat belt use and 46 related to alcohol.
Cell phone use while driving is more dangerous than any other impairment, it forces you to take your eyes off the road and to not pay attention to what is happening around you. The number of deaths from distracted driving are on track to double the number of fatalities related to impaired driving.
Also, as we enter into the new year, I always see how long it takes for one of us to intentionally kill one another. The first homicide of the year is almost always a shock as to how quick it happens. I'm always hoping that we will make it past the one month mark, but that rarely ever happens.
Just once, it would be nice to enter into a new year will no fatalities, no impaired charges, a smooth transition into a new year would be a great start, and maybe we could make that our Yearly Ritual.
Scott Goerz
