Lesson to be learned from Salerno's death

Randy Salerno's death is yet another tragic example of another alcohol-related accident that has claimed another life. I simply can't understand why the often repeated message that alcohol and driving a motor vehicle do not mix fails to hit its mark.

As a former police officer, I have personally witnessed the tragic consequences of these incidents, and I have seen the lessons repeated time and time again in the media. I am particularly saddened and amazed when they involve someone who has reported on the devastating effects of driving drunk, as Randy Salerno did.

I am absolutely shocked, angered and amazed when they involve members of the law enforcement community, such as police officers, and employees of the DuPage County state's attorney's office who are responsible for arresting and prosecuting these devastating offenses.

As a lawyer and the father of 10 children, I have a very strict rule that my adult children must follow if they want to borrow one of my cars: their use is strictly prohibited if you have consumed any amount of alcohol. It's too bad Randy Salerno did not follow a similar rule when he allowed someone else to operate his rented snowmobile while a passenger.

Regretfully, I have no solution to this problem. But as an active pilot, maybe the FAA has it right -- no one is allowed to operate an aircraft if that person has consumed ANY alcohol within eight hours prior to flight. And operating an aircraft with a blood alcohol level of .04, even if it has been more than eight hours, is prohibited.

Maybe we should all take a cue from the FAA.

John J. Grotto Wheaton