The Michigan State Police reported 9,331 alcohol-related crashes in the state in 2022, including 301 crashes in which at least one person died.

That includes 79 alcohol-related crashes across Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, and Alcona counties, four of those crashes fatal.

The State Police also reported 2,452 drug-related crashes across the state in 2022, including 229 crashes in which at least one person died.

That includes 18 drug-related crashes across Northeast Michigan. Thankfully, none of those crashes claimed any lives.

The sad truth is that all of those crashes likely were preventable had the drivers not had their vision and reaction time impaired by drugs or alcohol.

That’s why it pleased us to see students at both Posen High School and Hillman High School showing leadership recently in encouraging their fellow students to stay off of drugs and alcohol and stay off the road if they partake.

First, Posen dedicated its spirit week to raising awareness of substance abuse, News staff writer Temi Fadayomi reported. The weeklong event culminated in a lock-in meant in part to show students they could have fun without drugs or alcohol.

Later, Hillman students hosted an assembly dedicated to informing their fellow students on the dangers of impaired driving, Fadayomi reported. Area emergency crews came out to the school and reenacted the consequences of an impaired driving crash so students could see firsthand the potential dangers.

Activities such as those in Hillman and Posen, especially powerful because they were driven by students, can help students learn the important message that using drugs or alcohol can have devastating outcomes, especially if someone gets behind the wheel while under the influence.

We urge everyone to follow the students’ message. If you drink or do drugs, don’t drive. You could save a life.