It’s not you, it’s me
As written for Not Your Child Corp.
Remember the times in your life when a disagreement would happen between you and someone else. Perhaps you may remember someone saying “it’s not you, it’s me”? Sometimes that really was the case, but other times it was not. When it comes to impairment, sometimes it can actually the opposite; it’s you, not me.
Consuming alcoholic beverages is the choice of many. Deciding if you want to drink is only part of the choices you would have to make. Making the decision how you’ll get home is also on you, but that decision needs to be made prior to drinking, not during or after. Although many people already know this, many ignore that responsibility. If you ignore it, it’s not you, it’s me.
Driving after impaired by alcohol affects more than you. It also affects your family, friends and coworkers. No, I’m not talking about if they were in the vehicle with you and you crash, although that would be very tragic. I’m referring to how they are affected if you crash and injure yourself or others. And you don’t have to be drunk for the alcohol to affect your judgement, co-ordination and reactions. Any amount of alcohol can have a negative effect. Why take those chances, especially when you don’t have to?
Crashing after drinking takes too many lives from us and since it’s a criminal record, your life, provided you survive the crash, means you’re in jail. It also affects the rest of your life such as job, vehicle insurance and travel. Is it really worth it considering there are so many alternatives so you can avoid driving after drinking? If you take this chance, it’s not me, it’s you.
Having a plan to get home prior to consuming alcohol is the best plan. That way you’re not driving and risking all those things we know is wrong and dangerous. And we do know they are wrong and dangerous. All of us. But sometimes temptations present themselves and you may wonder if you’re ok to drive because a fair amount of time has passed since you had taken your first drink. Don’t guess. You need to know the truth. Why not pick up an individual breathalyzer from Not Your Child Corp? They offer a variety of very affordable options that can measure your blood-alcohol levels before you make a serious mistake. Even for a low cost of $5, it’s worth it, isn’t it? It’s not me, it’s you.
Take some time and enjoy yourself, especially during these stressful times. But also take the time to realize your actions affect more than just yourself. It’s not you, it’s me. Building new habits of always checking your blood-alcohol level before thinking of driving means you’re safer, your family, friends and coworkers won’t have to worry and the community is safer because of your responsible actions. It’s you, not me and it’s me, not you. Together.