What do you do when you see a drunk driver?
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If I called in every drunk driver I see on a weekly basis the police would think I was a nutcase. I work until almost midnight during the week and see about three or four drunk drivers in a five day period. If I see one I do not call it in UNLESS I feel they are severely dangerous. Why? Because it's a pain in the rear and the police are a tad on the unenthusiastic side in response. Besides that if I called the police three times or more a week they would soon ignore me. I avoid the drunks if I see them and try and stay clear. For me they are very easy to spot and as is typical, Friday nights are worse. What really upsets me is when I see 18 wheelers swerving left and right in the lanes. I think those idiots really need to be arrested....and I do call those in.
Originally Posted By: meangreen01
... I'm not a cop trained in knowing the difference. I also am not a fan of turning people in when I have no hard evidence of drunkenness or any other criminal behaviour.
I'm not a cop either. If they are just straying from their lane every once in awhile, I just stay away from them. They might be eating or texting or something else and can regain responsible driving whenever they choose to put the cel phone or Jack In the Box taco down.
But if somebody is creating a dangerous situation, I will call it in. Did about a month ago. Tan C1500. Couldn't stay in either lane and then clipped the wall while he was turning around to look at me. He pulled into Bass Pro and I let the cops handle it from there.
I get close enough to get the license plate then I fall back to a safe distance. I don't care if I lose him. I'm not a cop. I can tell them which direction I saw him (or her) going last.
Again, I'm not a cop. But I'd like to think that if I'd been there when Malik Hasan or Jared Lee Loughner produced a firearm, I would have done something, Anything really. Turn the corner walk away? Maybe. But I would have to call the cops...you know. Alert somebody at least. Maybe calling in a drunk driver is the same thing. Maybe it isn't. Even if it isn't, it's better to have done something than to read about an innocent family killed in a drunk driving accident in the paper the next day and realize that you might have been able to prevent that.
... I'm not a cop trained in knowing the difference. I also am not a fan of turning people in when I have no hard evidence of drunkenness or any other criminal behaviour.
I'm not a cop either. If they are just straying from their lane every once in awhile, I just stay away from them. They might be eating or texting or something else and can regain responsible driving whenever they choose to put the cel phone or Jack In the Box taco down.
But if somebody is creating a dangerous situation, I will call it in. Did about a month ago. Tan C1500. Couldn't stay in either lane and then clipped the wall while he was turning around to look at me. He pulled into Bass Pro and I let the cops handle it from there.
I get close enough to get the license plate then I fall back to a safe distance. I don't care if I lose him. I'm not a cop. I can tell them which direction I saw him (or her) going last.
Again, I'm not a cop. But I'd like to think that if I'd been there when Malik Hasan or Jared Lee Loughner produced a firearm, I would have done something, Anything really. Turn the corner walk away? Maybe. But I would have to call the cops...you know. Alert somebody at least. Maybe calling in a drunk driver is the same thing. Maybe it isn't. Even if it isn't, it's better to have done something than to read about an innocent family killed in a drunk driving accident in the paper the next day and realize that you might have been able to prevent that.
Yeah, I've seen some 18 wheelers that were driving erratically and phoned that in. Maybe twice. More likely sleep deprivation than drunkenness, but I've phoned in on that.
One time, several years back, I did call in a car for what I suspected was drunk driving. This guy was all over three lanes of traffic and he had several cars, myself included) hanging back out of fear for what was going to happen. It was too egregious to ignore. We're not talking about a little vacillation in the lane, he was swerving a full car width either way. I had forgotten about that.
One time, several years back, I did call in a car for what I suspected was drunk driving. This guy was all over three lanes of traffic and he had several cars, myself included) hanging back out of fear for what was going to happen. It was too egregious to ignore. We're not talking about a little vacillation in the lane, he was swerving a full car width either way. I had forgotten about that.
call 911 and tell them (you think) someone is drunk and let them do their job remember you could save a life maybe someone you know,,,
From personal expierience...My wife was hit head on and almost killed in 96' by a drunk. She had a 5% chance of survival when they pulled her from the car. She and my two young children are NOT supposed to be here... Had someone called this guy in (he had traveled far on busy roads) this may have been avoided. This with the countless/needless crashes with injury or worse I respond to at work involving drunks...To those that call in THANK YOU! to those that don't well, it wont matter until it is someone you care about.
My advice from a professional stand point... get a good discription of the vehicle/operator, tag number and call. If there is any way you can follow until LE arrives it helps tremendously..it is hard to find a needle in a haystack. Obviously DO NOT put yourself in danger.
My advice from a professional stand point... get a good discription of the vehicle/operator, tag number and call. If there is any way you can follow until LE arrives it helps tremendously..it is hard to find a needle in a haystack. Obviously DO NOT put yourself in danger.
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
What do you do when you see a drunk driver?
Last year, we saw one and called 911 who instructed us to follow the car from a safe distance until the cops would catch him. The guy at some point realized that and created a dangerous situation. But that was OK with us as we thought we were doing something useful for the system.
They caught the guy and he was facing charges. We were witnesses and the trial got postponed a few times. Each time, we had to take a day off work. Needless to say, it was a major hassle and quite an issue at work.
Yesterday I saw another drunk driver on the highway.
I do the exact same thing. I have lost friends to DD's so I always call and report their vehicle plate( if possible )and description as well as their direction of travel. I will follow when asked to do so( some PD's have you follow and some don't ).
I called and reported a hit and run once and the PD had me follow even though it was getting hairy with the young girl trying to get away. I kept saying we are going pretty fast do you want me to back off and they would say no as long as you feel safe following. It surprised me they had me stay on her tail like that. IT was more of a back road at least vs down town so that is probably why.
Nothing I despise more than a drunk driver. They should lose their license for a minimum of 1 year and get hit with a HUGE fine( like $10,000 )for the 1st offense and then if they ever repeat they should lose it for good. There is absolutely NO legit reason they should be allowed more than 1 chance. If you are going to get behind the wheel DO NOT drink anything alcoholic based period. It is not mandatory it is a choice so if you chose to do it then you should be hammered when caught.
What do you do when you see a drunk driver?
Last year, we saw one and called 911 who instructed us to follow the car from a safe distance until the cops would catch him. The guy at some point realized that and created a dangerous situation. But that was OK with us as we thought we were doing something useful for the system.
They caught the guy and he was facing charges. We were witnesses and the trial got postponed a few times. Each time, we had to take a day off work. Needless to say, it was a major hassle and quite an issue at work.
Yesterday I saw another drunk driver on the highway.
I do the exact same thing. I have lost friends to DD's so I always call and report their vehicle plate( if possible )and description as well as their direction of travel. I will follow when asked to do so( some PD's have you follow and some don't ).
I called and reported a hit and run once and the PD had me follow even though it was getting hairy with the young girl trying to get away. I kept saying we are going pretty fast do you want me to back off and they would say no as long as you feel safe following. It surprised me they had me stay on her tail like that. IT was more of a back road at least vs down town so that is probably why.
Nothing I despise more than a drunk driver. They should lose their license for a minimum of 1 year and get hit with a HUGE fine( like $10,000 )for the 1st offense and then if they ever repeat they should lose it for good. There is absolutely NO legit reason they should be allowed more than 1 chance. If you are going to get behind the wheel DO NOT drink anything alcoholic based period. It is not mandatory it is a choice so if you chose to do it then you should be hammered when caught.
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Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Nothing I despise more than a drunk driver. They should lose their license for a minimum of 1 year and get hit with a HUGE fine( like $10,000 )for the 1st offense.
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Nothing I despise more than a drunk driver. They should lose their license for a minimum of 1 year and get hit with a HUGE fine( like $10,000 )for the 1st offense and then if they ever repeat they should lose it for good. There is absolutely NO legit reason they should be allowed more than 1 chance. If you are going to get behind the wheel DO NOT drink anything alcoholic based period. It is not mandatory it is a choice so if you chose to do it then you should be hammered when caught.
A SCRAM alcohol monitor bracelet costs on average $375.00 a month. 6 months of that and you are $2250 in the hole.
Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlocks vary a lot on price but around $75 is common. Repeat offenders here get 10 years with a breathalyzer. That's $9000
A really good DWI attorney is going to want a minimum of $5000
It doesn't take long to add up to $20,000 when you factor in court costs, fines, and that's if you don't hurt someone. If you injure or kill a first responder (ie:Police, Paramedic, Fire Fighter...), you're done....you are Bubba's property in prison.
Nothing I despise more than a drunk driver. They should lose their license for a minimum of 1 year and get hit with a HUGE fine( like $10,000 )for the 1st offense.
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Nothing I despise more than a drunk driver. They should lose their license for a minimum of 1 year and get hit with a HUGE fine( like $10,000 )for the 1st offense and then if they ever repeat they should lose it for good. There is absolutely NO legit reason they should be allowed more than 1 chance. If you are going to get behind the wheel DO NOT drink anything alcoholic based period. It is not mandatory it is a choice so if you chose to do it then you should be hammered when caught.
A SCRAM alcohol monitor bracelet costs on average $375.00 a month. 6 months of that and you are $2250 in the hole.
Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlocks vary a lot on price but around $75 is common. Repeat offenders here get 10 years with a breathalyzer. That's $9000
A really good DWI attorney is going to want a minimum of $5000
It doesn't take long to add up to $20,000 when you factor in court costs, fines, and that's if you don't hurt someone. If you injure or kill a first responder (ie:Police, Paramedic, Fire Fighter...), you're done....you are Bubba's property in prison.
Originally Posted By: bepperb
People drive so horribly these days I'm hesitant to assume drunk driving.
I guess you call it in. I'm not sure following them and serving as a witness is really necessary. Guess it depends how bad they are.
So true. They might be on the phone or texting!
People drive so horribly these days I'm hesitant to assume drunk driving.
I guess you call it in. I'm not sure following them and serving as a witness is really necessary. Guess it depends how bad they are.
So true. They might be on the phone or texting!
Originally Posted By: Trajan
They should take the vehicle of a DUI and send it to the crusher. All the sweeter if they have to still make payments.
I've heard they do that in California with street racers. Don't know if it's still true or not.
I have seen it, its pretty funny when they do.
If it is really bad I will call it in. CHP usually takes it pretty seriously.
The best was when I was at a bar with come friends (I will have a beer when I get there around 8 and soda the rest of the night) and there was a drunk guy trying to walk out to drive home. He put his keys on the outside table to light a cigarette and while one of my friends started talking politics to him i grabbed the keys and gave them to the bartender who quickly put them in one of the beer fridges.
They should take the vehicle of a DUI and send it to the crusher. All the sweeter if they have to still make payments.
I've heard they do that in California with street racers. Don't know if it's still true or not.
I have seen it, its pretty funny when they do.
If it is really bad I will call it in. CHP usually takes it pretty seriously.
The best was when I was at a bar with come friends (I will have a beer when I get there around 8 and soda the rest of the night) and there was a drunk guy trying to walk out to drive home. He put his keys on the outside table to light a cigarette and while one of my friends started talking politics to him i grabbed the keys and gave them to the bartender who quickly put them in one of the beer fridges.
I never call anyone in, just learn to spot and avoid.
You want to see drunk driving! Drive around Hartford or New Haven at 1:30 when the bars get out, just about all the cars are doing a little swerve.
It teaches you to be one heck of a defense driver though, nothing phases me now, I'll duel with the worst NY cabbies or nut jobs in France.
You want to see drunk driving! Drive around Hartford or New Haven at 1:30 when the bars get out, just about all the cars are doing a little swerve.
It teaches you to be one heck of a defense driver though, nothing phases me now, I'll duel with the worst NY cabbies or nut jobs in France.
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JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
What do you do when you see a drunk driver?
They caught the guy and he was facing charges. We were witnesses and the trial got postponed a few times. Each time, we had to take a day off work. Needless to say, it was a major hassle and quite an issue at work.
I wonder who is more criminal, the drunk or the drunk's lawyer who defers the trial to bleed the opponent dry with fees? I hope you sued the opponent's lawyer for lost time as a countersuit.
What do you do when you see a drunk driver?
They caught the guy and he was facing charges. We were witnesses and the trial got postponed a few times. Each time, we had to take a day off work. Needless to say, it was a major hassle and quite an issue at work.
I wonder who is more criminal, the drunk or the drunk's lawyer who defers the trial to bleed the opponent dry with fees? I hope you sued the opponent's lawyer for lost time as a countersuit.
Originally Posted By: Trajan
They should take the vehicle of a DUI and send it to the crusher. All the sweeter if they have to still make payments.
You don't think someone else might be able to use it? Seems like needless destruction of wealth to me.
They should take the vehicle of a DUI and send it to the crusher. All the sweeter if they have to still make payments.
You don't think someone else might be able to use it? Seems like needless destruction of wealth to me.
Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
The best was when I was at a bar with come friends (I will have a beer when I get there around 8 and soda the rest of the night) and there was a drunk guy trying to walk out to drive home. He put his keys on the outside table to light a cigarette and while one of my friends started talking politics to him i grabbed the keys and gave them to the bartender who quickly put them in one of the beer fridges.
You're Batman!
The best was when I was at a bar with come friends (I will have a beer when I get there around 8 and soda the rest of the night) and there was a drunk guy trying to walk out to drive home. He put his keys on the outside table to light a cigarette and while one of my friends started talking politics to him i grabbed the keys and gave them to the bartender who quickly put them in one of the beer fridges.
You're Batman!
Originally Posted By: rpn453
Originally Posted By: Trajan
They should take the vehicle of a DUI and send it to the crusher. All the sweeter if they have to still make payments.
You don't think someone else might be able to use it? Seems like needless destruction of wealth to me.
No it isn't. Car gets crushed, idiot still has to make the payments.
Can't make them pay for something they don't own anymore.
What's needless is impaired drivers.
Originally Posted By: Trajan
They should take the vehicle of a DUI and send it to the crusher. All the sweeter if they have to still make payments.
You don't think someone else might be able to use it? Seems like needless destruction of wealth to me.
No it isn't. Car gets crushed, idiot still has to make the payments.
Can't make them pay for something they don't own anymore.
What's needless is impaired drivers.
Thankfully, I've never been behind a driver I suspected as drunk. Sure, I've seen some sloppy drivers but I usually assume they're either driving distracted or sleepy. I wish more people would report drunk drivers though... I lost my mother back in March to a drunk driver.
Originally Posted By: Trajan
No it isn't. Car gets crushed, idiot still has to make the payments.
Can't make them pay for something they don't own anymore.
What's needless is impaired drivers.
Some places use fines to impose expenses for undesirable behavior. That would serve the same function without any wealth destruction. But I suppose it would be a relatively inexpensive source of entertainment if enough people enjoy the concept. Resources are destroyed all the time in the process of making movies and television programs, and I'd never complain about that because it provides pleasure for so many.
No it isn't. Car gets crushed, idiot still has to make the payments.
Can't make them pay for something they don't own anymore.
What's needless is impaired drivers.
Some places use fines to impose expenses for undesirable behavior. That would serve the same function without any wealth destruction. But I suppose it would be a relatively inexpensive source of entertainment if enough people enjoy the concept. Resources are destroyed all the time in the process of making movies and television programs, and I'd never complain about that because it provides pleasure for so many.
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