When Cassie Olaivar was driving on the H-1 Freeway early Friday morning, she probably wasn't thinking about her role in the campaign against drinking and driving.

Or that she even had a role to play.

But when she had the misfortune to collide with the car driven by prominent playwright Lisa Y. Matsumoto, she was thrust into the limelight. As a victim, yes, but also as a public example of how the DUI problem can affect anyone, anywhere, at random and with often tragic consequences. Olaivar, who survived with broken bones and severe cuts, happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It could have happened to anyone, which means that everyone is at risk. That makes the DUI problem everyone's problem.

It remains unclear why Matsumoto was driving the wrong way on the westbound H-1 lanes, with a blood-alcohol level at three times the legal limit. Or why Roelle K. Hoohuli drove off the freeway Tuesday with a bottle of tequila in her car.

What is clear is that they both died unnecessarily.

Because we all know what to do. It's been hammered into our heads relentlessly. Don't drink and drive. Don't let anyone you know drink and drive. If you see someone driving who appears drunk, call 911. If you know someone who drinks to excess, don't ignore it. Be vigilant and help if you can.

As a clearly frustrated Honolulu police Capt. Frank T. Fujii put it:

"This is the holiday season, and there are families out there whose lives are shattered. Enough is enough."

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