Guest Speakers Talk About the Dangers of Drunk Driving

Brenda Carr, a mother of four children, lost her three daughters and ex-husband on what should have been a “normal Sunday.” Instead, someone got behind the wheel intoxicated and killed four members of her family.

The Victims Impact Panel of Oklahoma brought two speakers to Oklahoma State University on Wednesday to share personal stories with students about the dangers of drunk driving.

With an audience of 10 people, Carr delivered her story in an intimate setting, bringing many people to tears.

Doc Livingston, a father and grandfather, provided a different perspective. In 2009, his son was sentenced to 40 years in prison after taking the life of another man because he decided to drive his car under the influence of alcohol.

“You don’t dream of becoming an alcoholic one day,” Livingston said. “As college students, the choices you make now determine your future.”

The VIP of Oklahoma is a powerful program advocating against driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Wellness Department's grant coordinator, Lisa Croston, said the school covered the cost of attendance for students. 

Attending an event with the VIP of Oklahoma costs $60 per person, but OSU covered the costs so that “all students could attend for free,” Croston said.

OSU Health Education Coordinator Marissa Saenz is passionate about advocating against drinking and driving, especially on campus.

“We need to be more mindful of our choices when we go out and drink,” Saenz said.

The volunteer speakers on the panel shared their stories, hoping to make an impact on listeners.

Livingston told his son’s story to remind us that we make decisions sometimes that could cost of us the rest of our lives.

Alcohol-related car crashes take the lives of over 10,000 Americans each year, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Whether it’s a life in prison or a life short lived, driving under the influence puts people's life and the lives of everyone around them in danger.

“If there is anything to be taken from this it’s to not wait until you make the mistake, but to learn from others who have already made it,” Livingston said.