Missouri ranks 17th in drunk driving with a 51.45% drinking and driving risk index. 4.2% As we all know the legal drinking age is 21. 4.2% of high schoolers drink and drive. As we all know the legal drinking age is 21. According to Jaredjustice.com; the statistics show that fewer than 4,000 people are arrested for drunk driving. Some of the reasons why people drink and drive are: 

• Impaired judgment: One of the main reasons why people drink and drive or use drugs and drive, is because of misjudgment, they get false confidence and think they aren’t as drunk or high as they actually are. 
• Pressure and embarrassment: Sometimes people may be inclined to get behind the wheel to prove they are still in enough control to drive. They may also do it out of embarrassment. People don’t like admitting they are too drunk or too high to drive. 
• Financial reasons: Some people know they are too drunk or high to drive they can also be struggling financially to pay for a ride or don’t want to pay for a ride. 
• False sense of security: when someone is high or intoxicated, they may believe they can drive safely, but they may not have much confidence.

If you get caught driving while high or drunk you can earn points on your driver’s license, If you already have points for being intoxicated you may get a breathalyzer. If you fail the breathalyzer test, it will let the local police know and you could get your license revoked. In Missouri, a DUI (driving under the influence)  is the same punishment as a DUI, you can get up to 6 months of prison and/or pay up to a $500 fine.

The students at MHS wouldn’t drink and drive since it is illegal, but if you do end up drunk, please do not drive yourself home. Call an Uber, stay the night where you are or get a ride with a friend or family member.