Editorial: Tragedy serves as reminder to stay safe behind the wheel

posted in: Opinion | 0

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from The Pacific Index! Our staff wishes everyone a fun, relaxing holiday and transition into spring break. However, we would like to take a moment to be serious.

The last month of Pacific history met the tragic loss of four members of its family *see Obituaries page 4. Three of these deaths were a result of car accidents, which can happen even to safe, sober drivers.

As we approach the combination of Saint Patrick’s Day weekend and spring break, The Pacific Index would like to encourage the Pacific communities to celebrate safely and responsibly. For those that are 21 and legally allowed to consume alcohol, the Index would like to issue a reminder not to drink and drive.

For people that want to drink, there are several options available to help prevent incidents. Either make sure to arrange a designated driver in advance or call a cab. If you and your friends have had one too many, Pacific Cab is a local option, open 24 hours and operates at a starting rate of $2.75 with $2 per mile driven. Their number is 503 649-6860 and they will go anywhere in the Portland metro area including Forest Grove. Saving the number in your phone before you begin drinking is recommended.

Radio Cab, a Portland-based company, offers a starting rate of $2.50 with $2.40 per mile and $1 extra per person in the car. Though you’ll want to ensure that you and your party are all ready to go as they charge a waiting fee of 50 cents per minute.

While calling a cab can be a somewhat pricy option for a college student, it’s a tiny fraction of the cost of a DUI which can range anywhere from $500 to $5,000. And that’s only if no one’s been hurt. An inhibited driver is a danger to themselves, other passengers in the vehicle and everyone else on the road.

So, even though its something we’ve all heard before, please take to heart this spring break: don’t drink and drive.

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