When we called photojournalist Kevin Hill on Tuesday morning to assign him a photo to accompany our powerful and emotionally charged two-page report on drinking and driving, we knew two things.
First, it had to be worthy of the front page. Second, it had to carry impact.
After brainstorming for a few minutes, we came up with two options: a photo of an officer conducting a breathalyzer test and the photo you see at the top of this page. For us, the choice was simple.
Good journalism - and this includes photojournalism - must sometimes hit people in the gut to be effective.
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Our intent was not to shock or to offend. Rather, our intent in using this photo was to help prevent the scene it portrayed from playing out in our communities.
Perhaps you will think of this photo the next time you are tempted to get behind the wheel after drinking.
Perhaps your child will think of this photo several years from now when they are about to get into a friend's car after a house party.
Perhaps all the discussion our photo has sparked will bring more awareness and will help keep our families safer while driving in our city's streets.
If that's the case, we have done our job.