Drunk driving is a problem that affects many people across our country. People don't realize the effects alcohol can have on the body and mind that slow down decision-making while driving. This problem starts at home. Children see their parents, or other adult characters, having a beer or cocktail and getting into the car. This gives the impression that it is acceptable to drive drunk. “One in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime” (MADD). Driving under the influence is measured by a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Blood alcohol level is determined by the concentration of alcohol in the blood. Individual counties and states have their own legal level on blood alcohol percentages and measure a person's blood alcohol level to determine if they are drunk while driving. “Everywhere in the United States, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more” (DUI Foundation). Once an individual makes the decision to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, they are not only putting their life in danger, but their life as well. other people on the road. After reviewing the California DUI Management Annual Report, I was surprised to find that in 2008 there were a total of 214,811 DUI arrests (annual report). Of these 214,811 arrests, I was disgusted to see that 38,266 of the drivers were repeat offenders (annual report). This means that these people have been arrested for drunk driving within the last ten years. It is disheartening to me to discover that 26.4% of the 214,811 reported arrests were due to individuals who were second through fourth offenders. California obviously has a problem with people who really don't think twice about getting behind the wheel of their car. after participating... middle of paper...... » a week to teach children about the dangers of alcohol and drugs, is not the answer. Let's not just teach children to say "NO!" » to drugs and alcohol, but say “No!” » to drunk driving. I would much rather my children and their friends say “no” than make the choice to drive under the influence and harm themselves or others. California Office of Highway Safety (OTS). Internet. December 11 Par. “MADD – Statistics.” MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Internet. December 11, 2010. Para. MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Internet. December 11, 2010.Home | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Internet. December 11, 2010. DUI Foundation | Educate and prevent. Internet. December 11, 2010. Council of the Century. “Learn the facts.” www.centurycouncil.org. Web.Warner, Veronica. "Alcohol." Quiz. Fresno, 2010.