OUR VIEW: Booze blues

It's about to get crazy in Muncie this week.

St. Patrick's Day is Wednesday and Muncie Gras is Saturday — assuming it's not moved again. This might be one of the heaviest drinking weeks of the year for the campus community.

In response to increased drinking and driving March in past years, attributed to St. Patrick's Day, March Madness and college Spring Breaks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has started Operation Pull Over Blitz. This 17-day initiative began March 5 and lasts through Sunday, during which sobriety checkpoints will be set up and the number of patrolling officers will be increased.

What does it mean for Ball State? This increase in police around town means it's more likely if you drive after you've been drinking, you will get caught. Holidays and parties should be fun for all those involved. All events become significantly less fun when you end up in jail.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is calling on drivers or party-goers to help keep the roads safe. Many tips ICJI gives, such as designating a sober driver, taking a taxi or calling 911 when you suspect another driver is impaired, should all be common knowledge for legal-age drinkers. In Muncie, PDQ Taxi Service offers cheap rides to and from Muncie or Village bars.

This enforcement should be noted by everyone — not just the heavy drinkers. Even if you've had one or two drinks, don't risk it. There is no need to flirt with the BAC line when there are alternate ways to get home. Even walking home is a better decision than drunken driving.

Also, know who you can call for a ride if your designated driver isn't so sober by the end of the night. Everyone makes mistakes, but some mistakes can wreck your future. Some mistakes could end with a horrible drunken driving accident. Some mistakes can kill you.

These should be rules to live by every single time you drink. Let the crackdown be the excuse to make smarter decisions, and then continue with the reality check.

Whether you're out collecting beads or doing green beer taste-testing bar crawls this week, make sure to be smart. You never know who might be affected by your actions.