I have four children, ages 25, nearly 23, 19 and 15.  The 15 year old is just days away from qualifying for his Arizona driving learners permit.  So on the eve of crossing a major threshold of his young life, I can’t help but worry about the new risk filled world that he is about to enter.  And then of course, we are all hit with the tragic loss of the Angels pitcher and his two friends; lives ended by the weapon of a drunk driver.  Or perhaps the weapon is the drunk driver.

I don’t mean for this piece to be a pulpit for my preaching about drunk driving.  We all have our personal feelings about this emotionally charged issue.  But for me, this event and the thousands that occur every year, is another wake up call for me to consume any type of liquor responsibly.  While it’s tempting to rationalize that only a few drinks with friends at dinner won’t hurt, the fact is that it is very easy to tip over into that relaxed dimension and lose just enough sharpness to be a hazard on the road.  As well, with my youngest about to be on the road, what happens if he get into a jam, needs for me to pick him up and I have had just a little too much?  

While I run a wine publication and support the right to consume responsibly, I also feel the personal responsibility to my family and friends to be a safe and responsible father, husband and friend.  So what can I do?  Interesting that I think back to the time when my older kids were in their teens and out with their friends.  I told them that if ever things got a little unsafe, they could call me to pick them up.  I also established an account with a local taxi service in case I could not accommodate them.  No questions asked, I told them…..just make the call and come home…………….be safe.  Well, I am thinking of taking some of my own advice and developing a relationship with a local taxi service.  While I have used local transportation on occasion during the holidays, I have not thought about using it more routinely…….until now.  Think about the alternative outcome here.  If I have to call a taxi, my wife and I drive back to restaurant the next day to retrieve the car.  Yes, a little inconvenient.  The other outcome is a roll the dice……. risk the lives of many and perhaps live with that nightmare forever.  I think I know my answer.  I would love to hear from you on this charged issue…………after all, we are all in this together.