Keller @ Large: Principal's Drunk Driving Arrest Proof Of Larger Problem

BOSTON (CBS) - I'm normally not very forgiving of criminal acts that endanger the lives of innocent people. But there is one dangerous crime sometimes committed by otherwise upstanding citizens that does engender sympathy.

The latest case in point is Debra Gately, by all accounts a much-beloved former middle school principal of the year, who was arrested over the weekend and charged with driving under the influence.

According to the police, she failed multiple field sobriety tests and had a blood-alcohol level of .19 - blind drunk, allegedly.

From what we know about her, this looks like a good person who made a way-too-common mistake, thinking she was o.k. to make it home when she allegedly was not. And it evokes the old saying: there but for the grace of God go I.

We are a hard-drinking culture in these parts, and it shows up in irresponsible behavior on the roads. Massachusetts has the third highest rate of drunk driving in the country, behind only Delaware and North Dakota. And what a surprise, young people often mimic the behavior they see from adults.

We are on the verge of prom and graduation season around here, and despite the best efforts of school and public safety officials, there will still be some terrible stories of alcohol-related accidents involving young drivers. It happens every year, because alcohol is so ingrained in our culture, even the horrible reality of what can happen isn't enough of a deterrent.

So have the drunk-driving talk with your student this spring, or even have it with yourself.

The life and future you save may be your own.