As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes my students and I often discuss why rich and famous people choose to drive intoxicated and not call a taxi. I ask the same of my students and their friends and family members. After all, the cost of a DUI, physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and financially are extreme. We all should spend the extra $20-$100 to get a safe ride home.
I am sure Dallas Cowboys’ offensive lineman Josh Brent wishes he had splurged the money for a cab back in December. Brent chose to get behind the wheel of his car after drinking alcohol. It not only cost him a driving under the influence violation but one of his best friends and his teammate, his life.
The 25-year-old Brent lost control of his vehicle at 2:30 a.m. Brown, a practice squad linebacker, killed his friend Jerry Brown. Both were teammates at the University of Illinois.
You think Brent wished he’d spent the extra money for a cab?
Brent flipped his car and was dragging Brown away from the Mercedes which had caught fire. Police claim he reeked of alcohol. He failed both a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer.
Could an alcohol class have prevented this from happening? It is yet another tragedy chalked up to drinking and driving.