Comments on: Drink driving is a child protection issue

By: Megan from Imaginif

Megan from Imaginif — Sat, 31 May 2008 21:20:01 +0000

A – it takes one to know one, remember. Mxxx

Nunyaa – I am like you: always a little shocked that people do such stupid things and then try to deny them. Good for you for using other means of getting home. I have at times been mistaken for saying that drinking is wrong. Hell no, I drink (and go to sleep!!!!!). It is what you do after drinking that becomes problematic. You get that drink driving is a CP issue. How can we transfer that knowing to others though??????

PQ – Pertinent point about the kids having no choice. The theme of this years child protection week is “Children See, Children Do.” If our kids see us drink driving, then they will do it also.

Thanks for your support of the issue women. Child Protection is such a huge area and I think we often forget that every single thing we do with and to our kids is child protection related.

By: PlanningQueen

PlanningQueen — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:36:17 +0000

Drink driving, speeding, texting or talking on a mobile phone while driving, I believe are definitely all issues that pertain to child safety. I am amazed at the number of parents I see, speeding or using their mobile with their kids in the car. Children do not have a choice but to get in the car with their parents and each parent (like those above who have explained why they wont drink and drive etc) has a responsibility to drive safely, if not for their own sake then, for the sake of their children.

As usual a fantastic post Megan!

By: nunyaa

nunyaa — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:54:36 +0000

I consider myself like many other parents and do enjoy a drink. I have either been dropped off by friends, taxi or walked or stayed home. My kids need me and I’m not about to risk the one constant they have in their lives. I will not be the one to cause the death or injury of any other person/child. It is amazing the number of people who still drink and drive and think it is acceptable cos they have only had a few. I witnessed an accident outside my house and the offender was drunk as, crashed her car into a fence and wiped 3/4 of it out. Right beside that fence/railing is a footpath used by many children and elderly people . She drove off with bits n pieces hanging off her car. Needless to say the police did catch up with her. What astounds me is this woman denied she was drink driving but a BAC proved otherwise. There is no excuse for drink driving.

By: Alison

Alison — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:33:16 +0000

On the drinking and putting your keys away – That has actually become a safety issue for us, too. I choose not to drink at all, and part of the reason is because I am a solo parent. If there was an emergency and I needed to take the girls somewhere, I have to be capable of driving – and I won’t drive after drinking.

Great to see people talking about this issue. You are the kewlest blogger in town, Megan.

By: Megan

Megan — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:09:43 +0000

Alison: I agree – pressure for unsafe driving. If we view unsafe driving as a learned behaviour then it can be unlearned. If we each take full responsibility for our own driving and ensure zero tolerance of other’s bad driving practices then the pressure begins to change community attitudes.
Also Alison, I am very sorry that you and the girls lost your darling to a drink driver and speeder. What a waste of his life and your future together. Mxxoo

Driving Courses: Good point re the texting. You are right, the kids are putting themselves in danger. I have long maintained that child protection is a changed mind culture. Culture is learned, taught and caught. We can help our teens unlearn unsafe driving practices. Just like protective behaviours teaches hands to yourself, so it can teach both hands on the wheel.

It is an adults job to protect kids, therefore it is up to us adults to change the culture and keep our kids from getting hurt or placing themselves at risk.

Thanks for your comments DC.

Keran: I also like a glass of champagne or two. I am certainly not a wouser…just totally intolerant of ANYTHING that puts others at risk. Plus…I get tipsy very quickly so I can’t even drive after two sips

I look back now to when Jade and Rhys were little and I cringe. Drink driving was so acceptable and there were many people we drove with that had been drinking. If only I had found the gumption to challenge attitudes then!