Frequently, no matter what area one lives, we turn on the television or pick up the newspaper to hear or read about another driving under the influence tragedy. These tragedies are not accidents, but rather they are the result of an individual’s irresponsible decision to drink and drive. In a matter of a few seconds, that irresponsible decision can change the lives of many forever.

Every day innocent people get hurt by the carelessness of DUI drivers. The sad fact is that it’s only a matter of time until the next alcohol-fueled tragedy happens on a road, because too many people won’t admit they had too much to drink, or arrogantly believe they can drive anyway. Across the nation, 125 people are killed every day due to intoxicated drivers.

How many times have these negligent drivers been driving under the influence and have not been caught? How many times have these drivers' careless acts of driving under the influence been diminished, freeing the negligent driver to do this again?

Drunken driving is inexcusable and against the law. Negligent DUI drivers who are responsible for the death or injury of an innocent person must be made to face the consequences of their selfish act.

Most DUI drivers are incapable of feeling true remorse, as they convince themselves to believe it was an accident. If they convince themselves it was an accident, then their guilt is minimized. Some may utter the words “I’m sorry,” but those words are merely an instant, built-in mechanism that is used when they are caught. The DUI driver is not the one left behind to pick up the pieces to a families life. Their lives go on, as they will never feel the suffering that is felt by their victims.

Imagine if you can, what your life would be like if suddenly your loved one was killed or maimed for life because of the selfishness of a DUI driver. Would the casual words you hear from the DUI driver – “I’m sorry” – make your devastation go away? There could never be enough “I’m sorries” to take away the pain and emptiness that is in the hearts of a family and friends who lost their loved one due to a DUI driver.

A DUI tragedy can strike anyone at anytime without warning. No matter what one’s age is, please stop and think of what the consequences of drinking and driving can do.

If you are an adult and are partaking in social festivities that offer alcohol, you can still enjoy yourself while still being responsible. Remind yourself before you participate, that you need to be responsible for your actions. Don’t think you can risk driving home without being caught after consuming those few “extra drinks.”

Will your negligence be worth the risk of a lifetime of pain and guilt that you could infringe on yourself and an innocent family whose life will be forever victimized by injury or death of their loved one? A designated driver will help keep everyone safe as well as just saying “no” to those extra drinks.

This holiday season, please give the gift of life to everyone by making responsible choices. Please do your part to keep our roads safe.

Judy Thein is one of the founders of Team DUI and the 2010 mayor for the city of Clearlake. Her daughter was the victim of a fatal DUI crash.