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Show Personal Responsibility "No thanks, I'm driving!" That's an expression you hear more and more often nowadays when alcoholic drinks are passed around at holiday parties. The frequent repetition of this expression is a very encouraging en-couraging sign. It shows that people are developing a better sense of values . . that they realize the pleasure they get from a few drinks isn't worth the risk involved. Of course there are still a lot of people around who insist that drinking dosen't affect their driving ability. Some even go so far as to state they can drive better after a couple of cocktails or a beer or two. But most people take a more intelligent attitude. They know the evidence is against the fellows who claim they can drive as well after drinking. A great deal of research has been done on this subject in recent years, and it all tends to establish the fact that consumption of alcohol slows down reactions and impairs judgment. Accident records show the tragic relationship between drinking and traffic accidents. Accident Facts, the official statistical publication of the National Safety Counil, states that in 24 out of 100 fatal traffic accidents that occurred in 1953, a driver or a pedestrain had been drinking. Informed people, aware of the danger involved, are unwilling un-willing to take a chance. They value their own safety and the security of their families. The day of the daredevil who climbs unsteadily behind the wheel and roars away with great bravado is gone. Even the slightly tipsy fellow is likely to meet with disapproving dis-approving stares if he attempts to drive, and his friends are not likely to be grateful for his offer of a lift. "No thanks, I'm driving!" is an expression that's rapidly gaining in popularity. And the more popular it becomes, the merrier Christmas is going to be in Iron County this year. |