Wednesday, December 19, 2001
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Wednesday, December 19, 2001 |
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Cable upgrade a bumpy ride for some in PTC Every motorist convicted of driving under the influence in Fayette County must attend a special meeting and hear from others who have lost family members or loved ones in DUI-related collisions. In its efforts to remind the public that drinking and driving kills, the Fayette County solicitor's office wants to share the following comments from defendants who have experienced the meeting. "I was drinking and driving and ran into a roadblock. Thank God. I don't think I will do that again." "I was not sure what to expect when I arrived. By being here tonight and listening to these people and the tragic stories it was a very shocking and eye-opening evening. I was moved by the speakers. You always hear of stories of these events but until I sat through the class and heard it from the victims themselves, you really never believe it. "I feel for the speakers and really thank God that I am one of the lucky ones who did not hurt anyone. The night I got my DUI, I felt fine. I thought I was the responsible one driving a passed-out friend home. I was stopped at a license check. Luckily I had not hurt myself or anyone else. I will not take that chance again." "To me the most influential testimony was by the perpetrator who killed his best friend. This was not a malicious act of violence but one of stupidity that he will live with forever. I couldn't imagine how I would be able to handle that." "I feel really bad about what happened to each speaker. I know this is hard to talk about and this is one of the worst things to lose someone. I think it is great what these speakers are doing. I just could not imagine having to live without one of my kids or a close friend because of DUI. I have taken control. I have not drank since my DUI and this class helps encourage me even more about why I can't drink and drive." "I could sense the pain and suffering that both speakers still carry within themselves. Their personal stories made me realize how real and tragic the consequences of drinking and driving can be. It strengthens my resolve not to drink and drive again." "I would never want to put any family through what they have been through." "I do feel this program will keep me from drinking and driving. These people are proof of the horrors that can stem from DUI." "Two impressions come to mind that I feel will stay long after I am away from this class. The first is the lasting effect that driving drunk, especially when a fatality is involved, has on so many. The pain never seems to leave, but lingers on for an eternity. The second is the selfish, self-absorbed act of drinking and driving. The thoughts and concerns of others are not taken into account."
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