Another Taxi Ride to Avoid Being Arresting for Drinking and Driving

As a counselor for alcohol awareness classes, I always inquire of my students how come they didn't choose  to call a cab  instead of choosing to risk their lives and the lives of others by driving while intoxicated  What percentable of them regarded taking a taxi or phoning  somebody to pick them up  and take them  home? Think about that for a minute. Do you think most do? Most people? Some People?

Probably Not Going to Pass

The answer should surprise you - about ten percent. That means nine out of ten never  considered alternative transportation. In this day and age, with so much cash invested toward promoting education and punishing behavior, why do so few not think of this?  Following is a genuine account from one of my students in my alcohol awareness class.

Dustin's Story

Dustin and his older brother , Curtis, hadn't  gotten together  in nearly 10 years. Like many brothers these guys  were really quite different.  While Dustin was shy and reserved, a control freak, while his brother lived wild and care free. In fact, Dustin was picking his brother up at the bus station as Curtis had just  been released from jail.

Their first stop was a local bar, because Curtis needed to "get ripping drunk." Regrettably for Curtis, neither sibling  had much money and they were forced to leave after a couple of  drinks, with Dustin promising more drinks at home. Dustin's wife, Sherri, had made dinner and all three continued  to drink a several beers each  and three bottles of wine with dinner. In spite of the fact that Curtis had drunk almost 2 bottles himself, Dustin was feeling the effects and passed out on the couch while his companions  continued to chug  the inexpensive  wine.

When the clock struck midnight  he was awakened  by Curtis, who was asking for the keys to the car. Apparently, they had exhausted their supply of  alcohol and Sherri and Curtis were making an alcohol and fast food run.

Alcohol-Impaired Decision

One significant effect  alcohol is to alter the decision-making process. While Dustin thought  he had "slept-off" the effects of alcohol on his body, and that he was just feeling "different" because he had been awakened in the middle of his REM cycle of sleep, he made an "alcohol-induced decision."

Ever-the responsible one, Dustin refused to give his brother the keys to the car as his honey  and brother were totally intoxicated. After much pleading, and drinking  two energy drinks,  Dustin said he would drive. The three of them  hopped  into Dustin's Ford Escort and headed to the convenience store  where they bought a case of beer and a box of Franzia wine, Sherri's favorite.

After a quick stop at Taco Bell they were driving back to the house. Beer cans littered the back seat  as Curtis continued to  put back  Budweiser like a man dying of thirst. Three blocks from home  Curtis panicked as he saw the red and blue lights of a police car in his rearview mirror.

Acting Like A Dopamine - Alcohol's Minion

When the policeman walk up to the car Dustin asked, "Was I driving too fast, sir?"  The officer directed  his flashlight into the vehicle and observed the empty beer cans in the back of the car.  He asked Dustin if he had been drinking that night. Dustin  confessed to  having some beer and wine with dinner, but that was  many hours earlier. The officer asked Dustin to step out of his vehicle.

The officer advised him there had been a distinct odor of alcohol in the car and Dustin tried to clarify that his brother had been drinking and he was very sorry.  Regardless the policeman conducted a field sobriety test that he surprisingly passed. He then requested Dustin to submit to a Breathalyzer test.

Feeling confident after his success with  the field sobriety test. So he  agreed. His blood-alcohol-level was almost twice the legal limit. Dustin was immediately arrested.

The other two  were completely drunk  and unable to drive, and they had spent all their money on alcohol and food.  They both spent the night in the drunk tank with Dustin, but were allowed to go home  once they had sobered up the next day.  Dustin wasn't nearly as lucky.  He got to spend  a full 48 hours behind bars.

High Costs of a DUI

Following his conviction of driving while intoxicated (DWI)  Dustin was required  to take an alcohol class. His legal costs, increased insurance premiums and fines ended up costing Dustin almost seven thousand dollars.

I asked Dustin if he had thought of getting a cab  to take them to the store  and to get late-night munchies. He and the rest of the class burst  out in laughter. Not one of my students ever had considered taking a taxi from their own home to go buy alcohol or fast food.

Perhaps, after reading this story, you will consider this option.

Alcohol is a serious drug and should be used rationally. If you, or anyone you know, suffer from an alcohol problem, it is important to seek help immediately. There are groups like Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous. There also are both classroom and online alcohol awareness classes available.