Ball State University student Andrea Tallant was legally intoxicated when the 19-year-old was killed in a fatal car accident in March, according to Delaware County Coroner Jim Clevenger.
Sadly, it's not the first time this year an accident where alcohol was present resulted in the death of a Ball State student. A Jan. 27 accident on Riverside Avenue killed freshman Travis Smith as well. The driver of the vehicle smith rode in was of legal age, and his blood alcohol level of .04 did not exceed the legal limit of .08. Still, police say alcohol might have played a factor.
"Alcohol is a depressant," Sgt. Brad Arey of the Muncie Police Department said following the accident. "Any time there's alcohol involved, there's some impairment."
Individual fault aside, Ball State students can take a valuable lesson away from the unfortunate accidents that killed Smith and Tallant: Drinking and driving should never be an option. Muncie offers several forms of transportation for people who are too impaired to drive, and students should take advantage of other options instead of putting themselves at risk by getting behind the wheel of a car.
There are several options students can use instead of driving drunk. Just weeks ago, MITS started offering the Late Loop trolley on the weekends. The route goes through the Village and downtown Muncie and is free for Ball State students. Any students who plan on drinking downtown or in the Village on the weekends should utilize MITS and the Late Loop.
Another simple solution is to plan in advance and choose a designated driver. Putting up with drunk friends all night probably isn't anyone's definition of a good time, but it beats tempting fate and driving drunk. Students should find a responsible friend who agrees to drive, but those who are drinking have another responsibility - making sure the designated driver stays sober.
Cabs offer another solution to drunk driving, Sure, they cost money but no amount of money can replace losing a friend or loved one to impaired driving. Spending a few extra bucks to be professionally chauffeured around town isn't too bad, especially if your roommates are footing the bill.
Drinking is a privilege that students 21 and older are given by law. With privilege, however, come responsibilities - the most important of which is not putting other people in danger by driving while impaired. Students should plan in advance to ensure drunk driving doesn't end another life.
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