THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 28, 1995 TAG: 9512270254
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Last year more than 16,000 Americans lost their lives from alcohol-involved car accidents. That's one death about every 30 minutes. As a family physician who strives to promote preventive health for patients of all ages, I find these statistics totally unacceptable. Deaths and injuries from alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers are 100 percent preventable if we all do our part.
This year, hundreds of community organizations, medical groups and businesses have recognized December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.
I urge our local community to join in this effort and take a stand against impaired driving. There are many simple ways to help:
Don't drink and drive.
Never serve alcohol to anyone under 21.
If you drink, plan ahead and designate a nondrinking driver.
If you are planing a party, be a responsible host. Serve a wide variety of beverages, including some that are nonalcoholic. Control the amount served - no open bars. Ask alcohol-impaired guests to stay overnight or call a cab to assure them a safe trip home.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set a national goal of reducing DWI fatalities to 11,000 annually by the year 2005 - 6,000 fewer than last year. That ambitious goal requires all of us to prevent these tragedies.
ALVIN J. CICCONE, M.D.
Norfolk, Dec. 14, 1995 by CNB