In the annals of newspaper history, few words have appeared more frequently together than ‘alcohol was a factor.’

This week is no different in the Fitzhugh.

A horrendous accident took the life of one woman and several others were taken to hospital after the Highway 16 collision last Wednesday. The crash occurred on a relatively straight stretch of highway, at 6 p.m., on clear roads. Yet a vacationing police officer saw a pickup driving dangerously and tried to contact the RCMP. Soon after, the collision. One woman dead. Families shaken.

And the words ‘alcohol is believed to be factor.’

Many of those who arrived on scene had medical training, and were able to assist those in distress quickly. Emergency crews from Jasper responded quickly and added some order to the chaos of the multi-car crash, and many Jasperites waited until the wee hours of the morning before being told they could return home. Transports were delayed with their goods. The highway was shut for seven hours.

‘Alcohol believed to be a factor.’

At the Fitzhugh, we nervously awaited word from our photojournalist Matthew Timmins to hear if he was involved in the crash. Matt was one of the first on the scene, missing the collision by seconds. Upon arrival, he chose to try and help those in need before grabbing his camera. Because of the lack of cell reception, nothing was known for hours.

‘Alcohol believed to be a factor.’

The definition of insanity is “continuosly doing the same thins” and expecting a different result. Accident numbers are dropping, yet it is a testament to our stupidity as a culture that drinking and driving is still a fairly regular occurrence. Judging by the Jasper court docket, DUI is keeping the justice system running. Harsh punishments seem to do as little as second chances in terms of alcohol related accidents, however it is about time something is done to curtail the number of such accidents. Perhaps it isn’t clear: When you drink and drive, you can kill someone. Or you can kill yourself.

Week after week, similar car crash reports cross the news desk. As traffic volume increases with the tourism season, the likelihood of accidents also increases. Yet despite these pleas, despite the mindless death, one can guarantee the words ‘alcohol is believed to be a factor’ will appear again.