DRINK-driving, once viewed as little more than high jinks, is now rightly recognised as a serious offence that brings carnage to our roads.
But, of course, humans are frail creatures and all too often people behave in ways they know to be wrong.
So the unthinking, the foolish and the downright evil continue to jump behind their steering wheels after enjoying a few glasses.
They should expect no pity, certainly not from this newspaper.
We will highlight the cases of offenders, especially those already in the public eye who enjoy the benefits of their fame and status.
Gary Shaw, the legendary striker who helped Aston Villa to European glory a quarter-of-a-century ago and is well respected here in the Midlands, is among the latest to fall foul of the law.
Real life heroes such as Shaw, banned from the roads after being found twice over the limit, have an extra responsibility to obey the law because they act as role models to their fans.
We hope they will heed his words when he says: "I am ashamed, but I hope what has happened to me serves as a warning to others not to drink and drive."
There is no excuse for anyone. Don't do it.