My friend was killed by a drunk driver | Letters

Emmanuel Franco died in December 2010. - File photo
File photo
Emmanuel Franco died in December 2010.

December 19, 2012 · 3:46 PM

I want to wish all of my friends and neighbors a Happy Hannukah and/or a Merry Christmas and thank you so much for not drinking and driving.

To all of those who have chosen to "celebrate" the holidays by overindulging and getting behind the wheel, please don't.

It's been a couple of years since my friend Emmanuel Franco was killed right in the middle of downtown Federal Way (at 320th street and Pacific Highway) by a drunk driver. Emmanuel didn't have a chance. There's not a day at work that someone doesn't mention his name. He is missed that much.

People, ever since you can remember, you've been told not to drink and drive. You have friends and neighbors. There are cabs, taxis, town cars, limos. Lots of choices on how to get home after a big night. But if you review my list, driving yourself isn't one of those choices.

A lot of you are reading this and yawning, thinking to yourself, "Geez, another one of those letters. Why must we see them every year?" The answer is simple. Just like suicide prevention and sexual harassment training, people are still doing it, and we won't stop bringing it up until they stop.

Jeff Shaw, Auburn

 

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