As a retired police officer now working in Juvenile Detention, I have seen and continue to see the horrible results of teenage drinking, drugging and driving.

As we approach the Holiday Season, a time when many teens are involved in fatal vehicle crashes because of their misuse of alcohol and drugs, I would like to make two points in this article.

First, "Buzzed driving is drunk driving." For some, even one drink can have a negative effect on your driving skills. That one drink can slow down your reaction time to the point that you are involved in a serious crash.

New Year's Eve is a time of celebration. It is the night when even those who don't normally drink alcohol, ring in the New Year by having a glass or two of champagne. Whatever your thoughts are about drinking, if you decide to partake in consuming alcoholic beverages during the upcoming holidays, consider the following before heading-out to the party:

• Plan how you will get home safely

   

• Before drinking, talk with your peers and designate a sober driver

   

• If you are impaired, call a sober friend, take a taxi, call a family member or use public transportation

   

• If you see a driver who appears under the influence on the roadway, try to write down the license plate and notify the police

   

• And remember, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk or under the influence.

   

My second point is, as a police officer, it was always difficult handling a vehicle crash where young people were involved because of drinking or drugging and driving. But the saddest of all traffic crashes I have handled were those involving the death of a teen who had done everything to avoid drinking, drugging and driving and died because of someone else's negative behavior and/or lack of responsibility.

The following poem has been around for a long time. The author is unknown but the message is clear. After reading it, think about it because the victim could be you or someone close to you. Have a wonderful holiday season and remember there are plenty of other ways to have fun without drinking.

Death of an Innocent

I went to a party, Mom,

I remembered what you said.

You told me not to drink, Mom,

So I drank soda instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mom,

The way you said I would.

I didn't drink and drive, Mom,

Even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom,

I know you are always right.

Now the party is finally ending, Mom,

As everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom,

I knew I'd get home in one piece.

Because of the way you raised me,

So responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom,

But as I pulled out into the road,

The other car didn't see me, Mom,

And hit me like a load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom,

I hear the policeman say,

"The other guy is drunk," Mom,

And now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom...

I wish you'd get here soon.

How could this happen to me, Mom?

My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom,

And most of it is mine.

I hear the medic say, Mom,

I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom,

I swear I didn't drink.

It was the others, Mom.

The others didn't think.

He was probably at the same party as I.

The only difference is, he drank

And I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom?

It can ruin your whole life.

I'm feeling sharp pains now.

Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,

And I don't think it's fair.

I'm lying here dying

And all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.

Tell Daddy to be brave.

And when I go to heaven, Mom,

Put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom,

Not to drink and drive.

If only they had told him, Mom,

I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom.

I'm becoming very scared.

Please don't cry for me, Mom.

When I needed you,

you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom.

Before I say goodbye.

I didn't drink and drive,

So why am I the one to die?