When art reflects the human experience, it shows our connection to each other in fantastic ways. But when it seems people are more upset over a fictional story than the real-life tragedies we face, that connection ends. We are big fans of the TV show This is Us, but maybe not so much fans of the drunk driving storyline that is unfolding. Not because we’re upset over a favorite character dying, but because more people are bothered by the show’s storyline than the real drinking and driving dangers on our roads each day.
In 2016, over 14,000 people were killed as a result of drinking and driving. Making that number even worse is that it was the first increase in drunk driving deaths in decades. If you’re feeling outraged over the drunk driving storyline on This is Us, maybe you should channel that grief and disappointment into real world action. MADD and other drunk driving organizations are always in need of volunteers and support, especially as those organizations are fighting for stricter drunk driving laws, ignition interlock expansion and less apathy toward drunk driving as a whole.
Why are people still drunk driving? What can we do?
We all have choices to make, and those choices can be more difficult after a few drinks. This is Us demonstrates that perfectly, actually, and shows just how easy it is to blow of our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and follow our heart… even if we’re just heading home after happy hour. Just like watching TV, we can watch our friends, loved ones and others at the bar and offer them a different choice, one that will change lives: a safe ride home. Outrage can move mountains, especially when directed toward fixing the problem. This is Us shouldn’t reflect our apathy over drinking and driving, but affirm our stance against such a preventable crime.
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