2 bad words

Accident: "An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury."

 Hmm "unexpectedly" So am I  supposed to believe that all of these assholes that have gotten one or more than one DUI had absolutely no idea that driving drunk causes vehicle collisions, crashes, death, injuries? You don't UNINTENTIONALLY go out to get drunk WITHOUT MAKING A PLAN FOR A SAFE WAY HOME FIRST. That is a CHOICE!! Drinking and driving ... whether it's a fatality or injury or a crash without death/injury if the driver is intoxicated the crash was PREDICTABLE! Not only that but it was also PREVENTABLE!! It just doesn't happen by accident. *You* THE DRIVER know better.


Mistake: "An action or judgment that is misguided or wrong."

Another word that grinds my nerves when it's misused. How the hell are we in today's society "misguided" when it comes to making the choice to drink alcohol to the point of being "buzzed" or drunk and drive off without a care in the world? How does anyone not know that is wrong before they CHOOSE to do it? Especially when it happens every day, and it's mentioned in school, driving classes, etc? A mistake is when you do something not knowing the outcome or consequences. It's not doing something you KNOW for a fact has horrible consequences.  It's not just assuming nothing will happen.  But I hear it all the time. Moron gets drunk. Moron drives. Moron crashes. "I made a mistake" "We all make mistakes" "I'm human" Can you honestly say that shit with a straight face when it is someone else's doing and YOUR child in a casket? (You need to care about them first) I can't be the only one that is sick and tired of family members, friends and judges babying and standing by these assholes. First of all, if anyone drives drunk and gets pulled over -first offense- or not that idiot should not only lose all driving rights but should be on house arrest for 2 years + 15yrs probation. If the DUI driver causes an injury or death to another person, the driver needs to be away from civilization just like any other murderer. I realize that this is just all wishful thinking and it's 99% the victims and their families that get more time in hell than the murderers, rapists, child molesters, and all the pieces of shits out there that have ever driven while drunk. If anything needs to change, it's the justice system. Choices Matter

"It will never end"

That is what I'm told when I talk about drinking and driving awareness. If it will "never end" then that is only because people that think that way don't want it to. If more people were really against it and more vocal about this problem then it'll happen less and less. Yes, I believe that. But when you just turn away from it as if it doesn't concern you, it'll keep happening. You know people that drink? You know people that go "bar hopping"?  You know people that attend tailgate parties/Superbowl parties/holiday parties, etc..? Then bring the subject up. Ask how they get place to place when they go out. Ask what their plans are. Don't just hope/assume nothing will happen when you know it definitely could and does happen every single day.  You're not special nor are you immortal. Choices Matter.

Everyone that crashed their vehicle because they were dumb enough to look at their phone or because they drove drunk, thought they could handle it.

Samantha Runnion (Not alcohol/crash related)

 Beautiful 5-year-old Samantha Runnion was abducted and murdered by a sex offender. These evil, subhuman cretins have already done vicious things to children, but for some f’ed up reason, those crimes were not bad enough to keep them in prison forever or at least rid the filth from the Earth. And now, because the justice system is so corrupt, there are so many convicted sex offenders not in prison, they are allowed to roam the streets. How safe do you really think your children are? Not only do people have to worry about potential sex offenders but they also have to worry about the ones that already committed heinous crimes against children. Having laws such as Megan’s Law are helpful, but there are still so many people who don’t take them seriously or they don’t even know the stories behind them, because they are just so afraid of being accused of being “paranoid”, they’d rather not know if there is a pervert living on their block. They think if they [the criminals] are let out of prison then they MUST be cured and they deserve a second chance. Ok, what about the innocent child that they tortured? Where is their 2nd chance at a safe childhood? There are so many people out there (mostly women with children) that are actually willing to have a relationship with a KNOWN sex offender or anyone with a criminal/violent past and allow
that "person" into their home because they (the criminal) "have changed." I do NOT see any logic in that at all. No ones "love life" is more important than the safety of their children! The bottom line is sex offenders/child killers deserve to stay in prison indefinitely. Either that or if there is absolutely no way to keep them in prison forever then give them capital punishment. If that can't happen then castrate them! Cut off all four limbs! PROTECT THE INNOCENT! How do I know they will offend again? Honestly, I WOULD RATHER ASSUME THEY WILL THAN GIVE THE SCUM THE CHANCE TO DO IT AGAIN!! Think about it. Does that really sound like a bad idea to you? If it does, obviously, you don’t have children or care about what happens to children or any other living being for that matter including YOUR FAMILY. Seriously, don’t just let them free for "good behavior" or because there aren't enough prisons or because their prison time is up. Whatever the reason to set a criminal free is an absurd reason. And it will have consequences. I am well aware that torturing the inhuman bastards won't take away the pain of the victim or bring them back to life but it WILL PROTECT other children(or anyone else) from THAT monster!!!! Could you look at a 5-year old that has been abused and tell them that the monster that hurt them is not locked up anymore because what they did just wasn't bad enough and now they are free to look for their next victim? Still don't get the point? Oh ok, let them back out on the street so the maggots can keep attacking our children! Maybe YOUR children. Wow, that’s a genius idea! Choices Matter

The Choice is Yours: Prevent Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is a preventable choice. When a crash occurs, it's not an accident or mistake - it's a consequence of a deliberate decision. You know the risks of driving drunk, impaired, or distracted, and you acknowledge the harm it can cause. So, make a responsible choice: plan ahead, use Uber or a taxi, or opt for public transportation. If you can't afford a ride, reconsider spending money on alcohol. And remember, there's no emergency that justifies texting and driving - pull over safely if you must respond.

Think before you drink, think before you drive distracted. It's not just your life at stake; it's the lives of others on the road, your family, your job, your freedom, and your reputation. Make smart choices, care about the consequences, and prioritize safety. The lives that matter are worth it.

Choices Matter

HELPING YOUR CHILDREN FEEL SAFE

What are the most important things parents should tell children about safety?

1. Always check first with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult before going anywhere, accepting anything, or getting into a car with anyone.
2. Do not go out alone. Always take a friend with when going places or playing outside.
3. Say no if someone tries to touch you, or treats you in a way that makes you feel sad, scared, or confused. Get out of the situation as quickly as possible.




Tell a parent, guardian, or a trusted adult if you feel sad, scared, or confused.
There will always be someone to help you, and you have the right to be safe.

What should a parent know when talking to a child about safety?

1. Don’t forget your older children. Children aged 11 to 17 are equally at risk to victimization. At the same time you are giving your older children more freedom, make sure they understand important safety rules as well.
2. Speak to your children in a manner that is calm and reassuring. Children do not need to be frightened to get the point across. In fact, fear can thwart the safety message, because fear can be paralyzing to a child.
3. Speak openly. Children will be less likely to come to you about issues enshrouded in secrecy. If they feel that you are comfortable discussing the subject at hand, they may be more forthcoming.
4. Do not teach “stranger danger.” Children do not have the same understanding of “strangers” as adults; the concept is difficult for them to grasp. And, based on what we know about those who harm children, people are known to children and/or their families actually present a greater danger to children than do “strangers.”
5. Practice what you preach. You may think your children understand your message, but until they can incorporate it into their daily lives, it may not be clearly understood. Find opportunities to practice “what if” scenarios.
6. Teach your children that safety is more important than manners. In other words, it is more important for children to get themselves out of a dangerous situation than it is to be polite. They also need to know that it is okay to tell you what happened, and they won’t be tattletales.

All content in this blog was taken from :::FAQ:Child Safety

Choices Matter

Speak Up, Save Lives

Distracted driving, including cell phone use and eating while driving, is a dangerous choice that puts lives at risk. If you're a passenger and the driver starts texting, speak up and offer to help. Don't wait until it's too late and you're left with devastating consequences.

We often see people become advocates for safe driving only after they've been affected by a tragic crash involving alcohol or distraction. But why wait? Every day, someone dies at the hands of a drunk or distracted driver. This is a problem that affects us all, and it's crucial to take action now.

When you're out with friends, don't let them drive after drinking or using substances. Don't assume they can handle it, and don't turn a blind eye. If someone is impaired and gets behind the wheel, you're complicit in any tragedy that follows. So, say something, do something – it's your responsibility. Don't wait until reality hits you hard; make the right choice now. Your voice can save lives. Choices matter, and speaking up can make all the difference.

Choices Matter

Failing Our Children: The Alarming Truth About Sexual Predators

Sex Offenders

It's alarming that so many individuals with a history of heinous crimes, such as sexual assault, pedophilia, and murder, are walking free due to a flawed justice system. Those who make decisions to release these criminals back into society are equally culpable. It's crucial to hold them accountable for their actions.

 Visit  familywatchdog.us or click the link above to discover if a dangerous offender is living in your vicinity. It's essential to acknowledge that there is no cure for sexual predators and child molesters. By releasing them from prison or advocating for their freedom, you're providing them with the opportunity to reoffend. This makes you complicit in their crimes and just as responsible as the perpetrators themselves.

As a society, we have a moral obligation to protect our children. However, the current justice system is failing to do so. It's time to demand change and ensure that those who pose a threat to our children's safety are held accountable and kept away from our communities.

 Choices Matter

In Memory of Summer Pitner and Katie Flynn

Summer Pitner was a daughter, granddaughter, cousin, friend, a beloved little girl and she was just 8 years old when someone took her life all because they did something not only selfish, stupid, heinous and thoughtless but criminal too. If you think you can get by with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, please think of Summer and the life and happiness that were atrociously stolen from her. No matter how many times you made it home "safely" while driving drunk, you have no right playing Russian Roulette with the lives of other people on the road, or the people in the same vehicle as you. Your ignorance will catch up to you eventually. Then the person you murder could be someone you do know and care for. However, even if you don't know them, that doesn't make them any less important. It is something you need to take in serious consideration before you go out and get inebriated or even a little “buzzed”. You're not the only one on the road nor do you own the road. You still think you can handle it? Tell that to Summer's family. Tell that to Katie Flynn's family. 

Tell that to all the other families that had to bury a loved one because some stupid asshole-loser made a choice to drink and drive. Choices Matter

Something I learned at a young age

.....Not all adults should be trusted or listened to.

I have a memory from when I was a child (probably barely a teenager). I was in the backseat of someone's car. I saw an open container of alcohol between the driver and passenger seats. I knew the driver was a heavy drinker/pot smoker and most likely did other drugs as well. Even then, at such a young age, I knew better. The person driving the car was an adult, knew better, but didn't care (about anyone in the car – including their own children – or anyone else on the road). I said something about the alcohol, and I will always remember the bullshit response I got from the front seat passenger (also an adult and also didn't care): "He only takes sips." (Now that I think about it, he was probably already drunk/high before he got in the damn car. But kids aren't supposed to notice stuff like that, right? And they are certainly not supposed to question an ADULT'S HORRIBLE CHOICES, right?) But...

I should have said...

Tell it to the first responders.

Tell it to the mortician.

Tell it to the mother and father who have to bury their baby.

Tell it to the child lying in a casket.

Tell it to the person who no longer has use of their legs, all because they were crushed due to someone's CHOICE to drive drunk.

Tell it to the woman whose father is unable to walk her down the aisle because he is no longer alive due to the fact that some asshole chose to drive drunk.

Do you look good in orange?

Tell it to your cellmate.

I was afraid of being yelled at and them making me feel like I was in the wrong. Even though I felt extremely uncomfortable in that situation, I wasn't aware that I had every single right to say something more and keep talking about it until I knew that they knew I wasn't going to give up. I should have made them feel uncomfortable and ashamed of themselves. Well, I can't exactly go back in time and express my concerns. But I know now that I had a voice back then, and I have a voice now. I want others to know they also have a voice now.

So, if you're reading this (your age doesn't matter), if you're aware enough to think, "Hey, this is wrong," don't be afraid to say something if you realize the driver of the car you're in is drinking or drunk/high. If you have a phone with you, use it to call 911 and explain to them the driver is drinking or drunk/high. Don't second-guess yourself in a situation like that. Don't be afraid of getting the driver in trouble. What's important is the driver is putting others at risk, including you. Just because nothing happened last time, that doesn't mean it won't ever happen. Always remember, you have every right to speak up. It is, after all, your life on the line (and other people on the road too), and if it's not your actual life they take, it could be your legs or spine. Not everyone who is involved in an impaired driving crash dies. Some end up paralyzed or with some kind of brain damage or burned beyond recognition. Is that a good enough reason to care?

Don't tell me, "Well, you survived, didn't you?" That's not the point. I don't, nor did I then, appreciate the fact that someone thought their stupidity and arrogance were more important than someone else's life.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

If you ALLOW someone to drive drunk and/or high with your kid in the car, or if you drive drunk with your child, you are a horrible parent. You have absolutely no care, respect, or love for your child's life if you are ever WILLING to put them in harm's way. Even if you're not the one driving, or if your children are not in the vehicle with you, it always matters.

Choices Matter. 🚕🚓🚑

Behind the Wheel, You Hold the Power: Choose to Focus, Choose to Live

When you're behind the wheel and your phone buzzes with a text, remember that it's your decision whether to respond. You have the power to choose where you focus your attention. Don't shift the blame to the person who sent the message. Every time you hear that notification, you have three choices:

 

* Ignore it and keep your eyes on the road.

 

* Safely and legally pull over to respond.

 

* Risk lives – including your own – by choosing to read and respond while driving.

Which choice is the right one, not just for yourself, but for your loved ones and the innocent lives that could be  devastated by your bad choice... if that is what you decide?

Remember, always drive the way you want others to drive with your family on the road."

Choices Matter