It’s interesting to note that most of us — us being students — have been raised to understand that drunk driving is wrong. We’re taught it from the very moment we become remotely interested in driving and have to understand the law of DUI/DWI in order to get our license.

Yet not many of us know why. We understand why — that driving drunk puts people in danger because of this vague concept called “beer goggles,” and we hear statistics revealing response times under certain levels of alcohol.

But we don’t know why.

Martha Andersen does. So does Jacqueline Saburido. But, more than likely, you have no idea who either of these two people are, therefore either of their stories may not get as personal to you. It may impact you, but you won’t take it personally.

So let’s put things in perspective.

Think about the person in your life most important to you. Don’t just think about their name, think about your relationship to them and all of the things you associate with them — funny things you’ve shared, serious moments you’ve shared, lessons you’ve learned — all because of them. This person, in a way, shaped you.

Now, think about your life without them.

And even more than that, think about that person living without you.

It sucks. It hurts. It’s painful. It’s tragic. And it’s not about mothers whining, students looking for a purpose or some obscure company sponsoring a “Don’t Drink and Drive” ad on TV.

It’s about flesh and blood. Family and friends. Life with people and life without them.

And it’s a shame that such things are jeopardized because one of the 2.1 million college students feel like that can drive drunk.

In 2003, 40 percent of all traffic fatalities involved alcohol. Forty percent! If that number doesn’t strike your very core, then you deserve to lick envelopes the rest of your life.

Driving under any kind of influence isn’t a concept, advertisement, lesson or statistical memorization.

It’s a life choice that never needs to be made.