In an accident Friday night an 18-year old University of California Santa Barbara student, drove his car into five people, killing four of them and critically injuring the only survivor.

Police suspect that alcohol was involved, which adds it to the growing list of alcohol-related college tragedies this year.

David Attias, who was going at least 25 mph over the speed limit in the residential, high pedestrian-traffic area, hit nine parked cars before killing the pedestrians.

Attias could face charges of vehicular manslaughter and drunken driving.

Though this horrific scene took place across the country and some believe it may have been intentional, the presence of alcohol can't be ignored.

The tragedy serves as a reminder to students and others at Penn State that alcohol and driving should never be mixed.

Though the problem isn't as pronounced in State College as it might be in areas where people have to use vehicles more to get around, the dangers of drinking and driving are still very real.

However, it was not too long ago that we lost a Penn State librarian to the fatal, yet highly preventable, consequences of drunken driving. It's obviously not a lesson that hasn't been taught to us.

Even on normal weekends, the potential of drunken driving exists. Bars farther off-campus, where students and residents travel, can be a danger if patrons drive and no one makes the decision to keep one person from drinking through the evening.

Residents who drive into town from apartment complexes also need to make responsible choices when they party with alcohol. If they do decide to drink, they should keep the locations of bus stops and bus times in mind or carry enough cash for a taxi.

If the group does have a designated driver and that person goes back on his word, it's everyone's responsibility to make sure there's another way home — whether it be by bus, taxi or calling a friend.

It's never too late to stop an accident like the one that occurred in California last weekend.

It's simple, if only people — on college campuses and elsewhere else in this country — take a responsible attitude about drinking, especially when machinery or vehicles are involved.