For anyone who has ever lost a loved one at the hands of someone who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a recent court case in Lawrence County may resonate.

On Wednesday a Pedro man was sentenced to eight years in prison following a two-day jury trial in which Nathan Bloomfield was found guilty of aggravated vehicular homicide. The man, whose blood alcohol level was one and a half times the legal limit at the time of the car accident, caused the death of his friend and co-worker, John Markel.

Even though more than a year and a half has past since the accident on State Route 93, it is clear that the wounds of family and friends on both sides of the case have yet to be healed.

The reality is, far too many people in this county and country take it upon themselves to get behind the steering wheel after having too much to drink. That one lapse in judgment not only impacts the life of the offender, but each and every person involved. Those scars can last a lifetime.

During this holiday season, when champagne bottles are popped in celebration of homecomings and good times, please don’t drive. Avoid being a statistic and a tragedy.

Make a decision to be responsible. If you don’t make that decision now, you may not have another opportunity.