Drunk Driving

Yesterday marked the first anniversary of the death of a young alumni of the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park, the teen ministry I volunteer for. He was killed by a drunk and drugged driver on the way home from a fishing expedition. His best friend and the driver of the other car were also killed.

Drinking and driving isn't really a hot topic right now. It has given way to texting while driving (another dangerous combination). But in the news or not, it still leads to tragedy. There have been many attempts to put a face on drunk driving victims over the years. I am going to try again. If you are part of CYC, you will recognize the ties to a Judson brother. For those who are not, I hope you see a fellow human being, gone too soon.


Tom was 24 years old. He loved life and he was a man of faith who loved God and enjoyed studying the Bible. He built strong friendships in the camp and would chat with fellow campers who were feeling down. He was known for raids and plans for larger than life raids (raids are late night pranks) and even brought night vision goggles to the conference one year. Making others laugh was a great joy of his and he enjoyed clowning around. Tom was kindhearted and has been described as a good soul. His friends feel the world is a little darker and a little colder because he is gone from earth. Tom left behind his wife of nearly five years and their two very young boys. Things weren't always easy for Tom, but he was growing into his responsibilities and was a very loving husband and truly devoted father.

We rejoice that he is in Heaven with Jesus but we shouldn't have to be mourning his absence here on earth. He is gone because someone made a bad choice -- the choice to drink and drive. Help stop these tragedies.

Here are a few thoughts on how:

-- Remember that your judgement will be impaired if you drink, and you are unlikely to notice. Appoint the designated driver before the party or night out. Give them your keys at the beginning of the festivities.

-- Talk to your teens. Be ready and willing to pick them up, without lectures, if they or their driver have been drinking or doing drugs. Later, you can explain your views on teen drinking but make sure that they know you are proud of them for choosing not to drive drunk and that it was the right thing to call you.

-- And teens/ young adults, make the call when you need to. Better upset parents than you dead. Or call me. I'll pick you up or find someone who can. Taxis work, too.

-- Don't forget that if the people you are babysitting for come home inebriated, you can make alternate arrangements to get home. In fact, please do. Your parents won't mind you calling them. Trust me.

-- Be willing to take the keys. If you are the designated driver or witness someone trying to drive drunk, stop them. Sure, they might be mad. But, if they remember anything, they'll probably thank you when they are more clearheaded. And if they don't want to be your friend after that, are you sure they are someone you want to hang out with anyway? At any rate, everyone else on the road will be very pleased.

--Organize an awareness event in town, write a letter to the editor, spread the word that drunk driving is bad.


I am sure you can think of other things. Whatever you do, thanks for keeping the roads safer.


RIP Tom Serewicz.