Be Safe...And Let Be

There's a couple about the same age as my parents in our neighborhood in Chennai. They had two sons and both of them are not in this world any more. Their first son died in a train accident while travelling on footboard about 10 years ago when he was only 17 and their second son died in a car accident two nights ago. He turned 26 two months back. When i learnt about the message this morning, I was very very upset. I did not know about the nature of the accident since it was a text message from my sister. I was left staring at my mobile for a couple of minutes in utter disbelief. I was feeling very sorry for him. When i called my parents later on, I learnt that he was driving a car and that the car had hit a stationary bus. There were 4 people in the car and all four had died, three including himself on the spot. I was a little furious after knowing this. Then I learnt that it was a case of drunk driving. I was really infuriated at this point. Then my dad cried on the phone. He was really upset after hearing the news. My mom did not how to confront the bereaved mother. I knew that my sister was very upset too. Now, I was feeling sorry for him again and more so for his parents.

The worst thing about death is that more often than not, when you die, you leave atleast a handful of people helpless and in a pitiful state. The rest of my day was mostly spent on thinking about him and his parents. The feelings ranged from extreme pity to uncontrollable anger.

To me, the only villain in this whole episode was alcohol. Why is there such a big urge to consume alcohol? What's the big deal in losing one's senses? Even if that's tolerated, how could one drink and drive, being fully aware of the consequences? I have been easy-going as far as my friends drinking alcoholic beverages is concerned. But today's incident makes me think. What's the point? I am suffering because my friend drove under the influence of alcohol. My father is. My whole family is and many such families are...the biggest sufferers being none other than his very own parents. What he gained by drinking alcohol is nothing compared to what his family has lost. Why don't people understand this simple fact?

Please stop consuming alcohol starting now. It's simply not worth it. Even if you are weak and can't let go, atleast make sure that you don't drive while you are drunk and please don't be your own judge as to how much alochol is "acceptable". Even if you don't care to do this, the least you can do is to make sure you die your death all alone. I am not going to shed a single drop of tear in the future for anyone who invites his own fate and puts the lives of others in danger by driving under the influence of alcohol.

Those of you who don't drink, don't feel uncomfortable to keep reminding your friends about the grave danger that comes with drinking and drunk driving. Be a pest if that's what it takes and be willing to be the driver if you feel the slightest suspicion that your friend will drive under influence if you don't accompany him or her.

Those of you who drink, be safe and feel free to make full use of people like me who can drive so that you can drink to your heart's content. A little discomfort is nothing compared to saving your priceless lives...