National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Resource Guide, Sample Op-Ed Piece

[START WITH A DRAMATIC STORY FROM YOUR LOCAL AREA TO CATCH THE READER'S ATTENTION] Last December, John Doe didn't make it home for the holidays. He spent December ___ through January ___ in the intensive care unit of a local hospital. His family spent the holidays gathered around his bedside, waiting for some spark of recognition in his eyes, dreading that it might never come. He spent the better part of the year in a rehabilitation facility. He'll make it home for the holidays this year, but now that he is in a wheelchair, he can't walk or drive.

All because an impaired driver chose to drive home from a holiday party.

We see tragic scenarios like this, and worse, all too often. Because every day, thousands of people across our great country decide to drive after they've been drinking. And in December, there are even more instances than usual.

[ADD AN EXPLANATION OF LOCAL STATISTICS]

So, what can we do about it? Here's what the [LOCAL 3D PREVENTION COALITION], made up of [NUMBER] business, citizen, public health, law enforcement, and safety groups, is doing. We are supporting:

National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month and this year's campaign, "Take a Stand Against Impaired Driving." This year's campaign emphasizes the Safe Communities approach. Every part of the community — businesses, citizen groups, health care providers, police agencies, schools, government, the military, etc. — has a role to play in the fight against impaired driving;
National Lights On For Life Day on Friday, December 19, when motorists are asked to drive with their headlights on all day to remind people about the impaired driving problem and in remembrance of those killed by impaired drivers;
Our local law enforcement agencies as they participate in the National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend, Friday, December 19 through Sunday, December 21, when law enforcement agencies across the nation will step up enforcement efforts against impaired drivers and motorcyclists, speeders, aggressive drivers, and others who make the roads especially dangerous at this time of year;
Proposed legislation scheduled to be voted upon by the state legislature early in 1998 [ADD INFORMATION ON BILL NAMES, NUMBER, CONTENT, SPONSORS, ETC.]; and
The [CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S] responsible server training adopted by [NUMBER] bars and restaurants here in our area and the designated driver program being promoting by [NUMBER] establishments in the area.

[USE WHATEVER PROGRAMS YOU WANT TO HIGHLIGHT, ADD MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR LOCAL EFFORTS, ETC.]

Join with us for National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. Drive with your headlights on Friday, December 19. Designate a driver for holiday parties. Take the keys from a friend who's had too much to drink. Arrange to store or haul someone's motorcycle home if the operator has been drinking. Support alcohol-free holiday events and encourage your local government and civic leaders to do the same. And above all, don't drink and drive. We want you home for the holidays.

[OP-ED SHOULD BE 12-20 PARAGRAPHS TOTAL]