Passenger knew the risk of riding

Jody Kent - Spectrum

How is it possible for any person to feel sorry for someone's own stupidity? I recently read the article of the criminal charges against Heather L. Simas for the vehicle accident that left Shawn Himes paralyzed, and I must say that I disagree with the judge's decision to hold Simas completely responsible for what happened to her passenger, Shawn Himes.

It is my opinion that every person has a choice of what they let happen to their body and their life, though accidents are unpredictable. If you choose to put yourself in a situation where you have a 50-50 chance of coming out unharmed then you should be accountable for the result of what happens to you. I can't believe that any "responsible adult" would watch a woman fall off a bar stool caused by being over-intoxicated, then accept her offer to drive them home, knowing that she is incapable.

Instead, wouldn't you go with the slogan, "friends don't let friends drive drunk," and call the person a cab? I would then ask myself, what expectations did this individual have to accept the offer? It is my opinion that if you are ignorant then you deserve the consequence of your actions. It is sad that Himes will now be paralyzed for the rest of his life, but I can't have sympathy for people who would willingly put their own life in danger.

The whole incident could have been avoided if Himes would have declined the offer and did what any other person would have done, take the lady's keys and call her a cab, a simple way to reassure yourself that you may have just saved a person's life, and your own. I would like not to be confused in taking Simas' side and excusing her actions, but in this case both Simas and Himes should be held accountable individually for each of their actions.

Another thing, to think that Himes' family is asking for the support of Valley residents by sending money, how ridiculous is that? That would be like saying it is OK for you to be ignorant and encourage people to drive drunk. I would also like to ask, how would Himes feel had the vehicle he was riding in struck and killed a young child, knowing that the collision could have been preventable by suggesting that the intoxicated driver of the vehicle find another way home?

I have no sympathy for people who drive drunk and certainly not for people who choose to ride with a drunk person knowing they are incapable of operating a vehicle.

Jody Kent is a Wasilla resident.