Decision to drive and drive can lead to tragedy

This past week we received the verdict in my sister’s death, which occurred just over two years ago: guilty on the count of vehicular homicide. The defendant was found not guilty on the lesser charge of knowingly leaving the scene of an accident, resulting in death; the key word being knowingly.

He had a 0.19 blood alcohol level. The defendant was found 2 miles down the road from where my sister lay bleeding, with a shredded tire caused in the accident. He is now looking at five to 10 years in prison.

I would like to say that I feel vindicated by verdict. Although I am glad this man will be unable to hurt another person again, I acknowledge that this is a lose-lose situation.

It is obvious what we have lost … Terri was a mother, a sister, a daughter, a teacher, a friend. While I have no sympathy for the defendant, I am sure his family is hurting, too. He has a young son who will be without his father for a very long time; conversely, my niece and nephew lost their mother forever.

Is it all worth it? Whether you are the one driving under the influence, or the unfortunate soul who is the unintended victim, everyone suffers. Families are torn apart.

Think before you drink and drive. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Your whole world can be turned upside down in a fraction of a second. We can learn from the mistakes of others. Let’s stop the insanity. Please don’t drink and drive!
Chris LaPatin
Pittsfield, Mass.