Being safe with alcohol is a serious matter

According to a Missouri Department of Transportation official, there were 757 fatal crashes on Missouri roads in 2013. About a third of those involved an impaired driver.

As we warmly welcome college students back to the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, we're reminded of the seriousness of driving while impaired.

MoDOT will be extra watchful through the end of August. Driving while intoxicated isn't something to take lightly. If you spot someone driving recklessly who appears to be impaired you may call *55 on your cellphone.

Of course, irresponsible alcohol consumption is not limited to younger people. But underage drinking is a serious matter.

The city of Cape Girardeau is once again considering the idea of local laws that restrict the age of people who can enter drinking establishments.

Underage drinking and irresponsible drinking by those who are of age are realities, and it will never be eliminated. But we all can have a part in doing what we can to reduce the problem. Talk to the people you love about the importance of driving sober. Discuss with teenagers about the potential consequences of poor choices, and, just importantly, the benefits of making good ones.

Please consider what you can do to decrease the likelihood of catastrophy as it relates to alcohol.