There is a big difference between legal responsibility and social responsibility. Though legal responsibility binds people by law, social responsibility can make that bond stronger.
According to the Associated Press, a Reno, Nev. mother is suing the Coors Brewing Co. after her 19-year-old son was killed in a traffic accident.
Jodie Pisco's son Ryan drove his girlfriend's car 90 mph into a light pole after he was drinking Coors at a party, according to the Associated Press. Pisco claims that Coors promotes underage drinking.
Here's the kicker: Ryan Pisco's girlfriend and mother were included in the suit because the girlfriend allowed Ryan Pisco to drive her car. The girlfriend's mother is included because she gave her daughter the car.
Ryan Pisco's driver's license was not valid at the time, according to the AP.
In this case, it is easy to miss the point. Ryan Pisco had a suspended license. His girlfriend should not have let him drive because he had been drinking. The incident could have been prevented after Ryan Pisco started drinking illegally.
Suing a large company is the easy way out. This goes for people who sue fast food restaurants because they are overweight.
There is considerable doubt that some Coors representative happened to be at the very same party that night and pushed cans of Coor's into Ryan Pisco's hands.
Instead of suing Coors, a more constructive route would have been joining a group like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a national organization to help spread awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence. There is Drug Abuse Resistance Education in schools. D.A.R.E. helps educate children at a young age to turn down drugs and alcohol.
Ryan Pisco made a mistake that cost him his life. Many people run the risk of making similar mistakes each day.
Drinking responsibly does not just mean refusing that last shot of vodka or holding off bonging another beer. It means planning a safe way to return home or taking someone's keys if they are intoxicated.
Sometimes it means taking one for the team and staying sober if the original designated driver does not fulfill his or her duties.
I've done this. The people that owe me know who they are.
Most of the time the people who drive drunk do not get injured. But people in other cars or walking down the street do.
This lawsuit cannot protect innocent drivers and bystanders. It cannot keep more underage and of-age drinkers from making irresponsible decisions. It cannot bring Ryan Pisco back to life.
Organizing events to help children and young adults understand the dangers of irresponsible drinking can save lives. Letting your children, family or friends know that you will help them if they do not have a safe way home after a night of drinking also saves lives.
There is a reason that someone developed the saying, "Friends don't let friends drive drunk."
My parents always told me to call them if I needed a ride. My friends are the same way. You might wake someone up in the middle of the night. They might be irritated. You might get in trouble.
But at least you are alive.
Sometimes being responsible takes a little extra effort. But when it comes to saving lives, that effort goes a long way.
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