Running Head: DRUNK DRIVING
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Persuasive Speech on Drunk Driving
Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines
Wilson Lam
Pasadena City College
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Topic: Drunk Driving
General Purpose: to persuade the audience to not drink and drive.
Specific Purpose: to persuade the audience that drinking and driving is morally wrong
Central Ideas: Alcohol related injuries/deaths, risks, laws and penalties, and prevention
Introduction
Good afternoon everyone. Today, our topic is drunk driving. By a show of hands, how many
people have consumed an alcoholic beverage within the past week? In today’s society, drinking
is seen to be a normal part of our life, in order to help us relax or to celebrate special occasions or
even to drown our sorrows. But with drinking also comes risks as well. These risks may include
addiction to alcohol, alcoholism, drunk driving, increase in crime, as well as potential health
risks too. I’m only twenty years old and I will be turning 21 within a month, so you know that I
will be drinking a lot more often. So, recently I have been asking around about any advice or tips
when I hit my 21st birthday and most I have received are to pregame and drink responsibly. In
the United States, it is shown that younger people throughout the ages of twenty-one to twentyfour are more likely to be involved in an alcohol-related crash. Throughout this speech, I will
explain why drinking and driving is morally wrong and why it should not even be done at all.
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Body
I.
Driving under influence
A. First, drunk driving is known to be one of the major problems faced throughout
the world. According to a national statistic in 2009, drunk drivers caused 10,839
deaths in the United States. This number represents the most severe cases which
ultimately resulted in the deaths of innocent people.
B. Driving while under the influence comes with heavy consequences. Alcohol can
impair motor skills; affect mental concentration as well as defer judgement.
Heavy drinking can lead to intoxication which includes slurred speech, impaired
balance, as well as erratic behavior. Impaired driving can cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle causing injury/death to others as well as yourself.
II.
Risks
A. Next, drunk driving also comes with many risks as well. Not only is it dangerous
to the driver and other potential victims, there are also penalties set by state laws.
The legal limit of BAC is 0.08 percent and if the driver is found to be over the
legal limit; then penalties may include fines, suspension or loss of license or even
prison sentences for repeated offenders.
B. In addition, drinking alcohol extensively can lead further down to major health
complications. However, studies have shown that moderate drinking has been
associated with health benefits particularly for the heart. Moderate drinkers have
reduced rates of heart attacks, blood clot-caused stroke, peripheral vascular
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disease, cardiac death, as well as death from all cardiovascular causes. However,
too much of anything is bad for you and alcohol is another example.
C. Heavy drinking can permanently damage one’s health. It can lead to pancreatic
and liver disease, increased blood pressure as well as many different cancers. A
large study reported by the Harvard School of Public Health found that
consumption of two or more drinks per day increased women’s risk of breast
cancer by up to 41 percent. Heavy drinking is also associated with a high risk of
addiction and abuse further increasing the odds of drunk drivers.
III.
Prevention
A. Lastly, how do we prevent drunk drivers? The best way for you is to not drink and
drive. Sober up or call a cab is the right choice. It is not worth the risk.
B. There are already many prevention and intervention programs dedicated to
combat drunk driving. For example, “The designated driver” campaigns have
effectively educated drinkers to have a non-drinking friend drive them home
rather than driving home themselves. These programs are believed to have saved
thousands of lives each year.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, do not drink and drive. For the sake of an innocent family or even a cyclist, it is
not worth it to take that risk. Call a cab, sober up, or even call a trusted friend. I used to be that
friend, always being the designated driver, not being able to drink because of drunk driving. But
now that I am turning twenty one; I hold myself responsible for my actions and I cannot morally
drink and drive without thinking about the risk I am taking. I do not want to kill anyone, go to
jail, pay any fines, I just want to have fun and have a good time.
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Works Cited
"Drinking (Alcoholic Beverages)." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2015.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
"Driving Under the Influence." MCT Photos. 2013. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 10
Apr. 2015.
"Drunk Driving." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2015. Opposing
Viewpoints in Context. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
FYNBO, LARS. "Immoral, Deviant, Or Just Normal: Drunk Drivers' Narratives Of Drinking
And Drunk Driving." Contemporary Drug Problems 41.2 (2014): 233-260. Academic
Search Premier. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
Lewis, Todd F., and Jane E. Myers. "Wellness Factors Decrease The Odds Of Drinking And
Driving Among College Students."Journal Of Addictions & Offender Counseling 33.2
(2012): 93-106.Academic Search Premier. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.