Should Celebrities be Good Role Models When it Comes to Drunk Driving?

We’ve been seeing quite a few celebrity faces splashed across the internet because of their DUI arrests. It’s almost an everyday occurrence. We’ve seen celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, and Lindsey Lohan who have been charged with drunk driving. Fortunately people weren’t seriously injured or hurt because of their careless behavior. Would it have been an issue if someone was injured or was killed? Should we be holding these celebrities responsible for being good role models?

It seems like nowadays most people in our society think drinking and driving isn't such a big deal. People get a slap on the wrist, little bitty fines, and short jail sentences. No wonder it isn’t taken seriously.

Are the lawmakers and legislature to blame because they haven’t been pushing for harsher jail sentences and DUI penalties? Are kids not getting enough education on this issue? What if celebrities had to do public service announcements as part of their DUI sentence? Do you think these celebrities have an obligation to be good role models for our children?

There are some initiatives going on right now to combat this drunk driving epidemic. Car companies like Nissan are working on installing technology similar to the ignition interlock device that detects alcohol in a person's body when they get behind the wheel. Also, the state of New Mexico has ordered talking urinals to be installed in various establishments that serve alcohol. These talking urinal cakes utter public service announcements while someone is using the restroom. Will these initiatives work?

What can we do to prevent drunk driving in America? Should there be less drinking in movies and TV shows? Should celebrities be more responsible in their behavior? After all, children idolize them and often mimic their behaviors in order to be perceived as “cool”. What do you think?