Hollywood is the trendsetter in this country. A current trend coming out of Hollywood targeted at women is the DUI. According to California state law it is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence to drive a vehicle. It is also, unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in this or her blood to drive a vehicle.

Stars and DUIs have become a topic of our daily conversation. In the past year alone some of the biggest names in the biz have been arrested. On a recent episode of E’s Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Khloe is arrested for a DUI. We all remember the headlines of Lindsay Lohan’s DUIs. And who can forget about best friends Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. These young women are the role models for many young girls out. Currently their example is something not to follow.

According to information provided by the organization MADD the following statistics have been provided:
• In 2006, 17,602 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes nationally
• Alcohol-related crashes kill almost 50 people a day – one death every 31 minutes (that means one person dies for every episode of The Simple Life)
•Each year another 275,000 people are injured in these crashes
• About three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives
• Impairment is not determined by the type of drink, but rather by the amount of alcohol ingested over a specific period of time
• Drunk driving is the nation’s most frequently committed violent crime

However, there is something I just find incredibly disturbing at Paris, Nicole, Lindsay and Khloe’s DUIs. First off there is usually paparazzi following their every move and if they are part of a reality-show a film crew, why didn’t anyone stop them from getting in the driver’s seat. What blame is put on them for letting the person get behind the wheel. I have worked as a bartender and waitress and if a patron was involved in an accident the establishment they were at earlier could be blamed for over-serving and allowing that person behind the wheel. My second misunderstanding is, if they have all this money. If they know they are going out and they want to drink, HIRE SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOUR BUTT AROUND.

Don’t give me excuses just don’t deny you made a mistake. And celebrities are not the only ones. It just happens that everyone knows there name and when they get in trouble it can’t be swept under a rug. They are the face that everyone knows, and when you are going to be living in the spotlight, try to make the smart decision. We all know the stories of the celebrities who killed themselves in drug and alcohol related incidents. You want to be remembered for you career no for killing yourself or killing someone else.