Drinking and Driving

Birdnest · 05-21-2006, 07:20 AM

Please stop. Just stop. Find another way, call a friend, designate a sober driver, take a taxi, ride a turtle...just stop.

I work in a trauma center as a CT tech and I am getting tired of seeing the same devistated look on surviving family members when their entire world is shattered by some idiot. It wears on my soul.

Joe

Jettin' Fool · 05-21-2006, 07:52 AM

Beeresponsible

JF

HeavyMetal BankFisherman · 05-21-2006, 11:17 AM

Birdnest, I am fortunate to not have to deal with some of the things you do. Thank you for doing that job.

Drinking and Driving is just plain wrong. You won't catch me out there on the road with alcohol in my blood. Drink at home, plan on staying where you drink, take a cab, or have designated driver. Pretty simple.

sinker · 05-21-2006, 01:43 PM

I work night and every few months I get to call 911 and report a drunk driver.

Aaaaggghhhhh, I love doing that. Especially when you can watch them get busted.

:grin:

Spoiled Daddy · 05-21-2006, 02:29 PM

Birdnest,

Your message is a good one. Sorry you suffer the OTJ stress that this plague causes.

It can't be said loud or frequently enough.

Just don't do it! Remember, you don't have to be "drunk" to be impaired! Even 2-3 drinks will alter your perception and motor skills. Plan ahead and be safe!

the Spoiled Daddy

Birdnest · 05-21-2006, 02:48 PM

Thanks for the nice thoughts.

I wasn't trying to have a pity party, I just wanted to challenge people to change,to be creative, and take responsibility. I don't think it is unreasonable to have a zero tolerance policy for yourself. I am not saying you can never have fun, just do a little planning before the fun.

Joe

Kalamity · 05-21-2006, 06:19 PM

This message can never be said enough. I respect what paramedics, firefighters, cops, and everyone else involved has to endure when it comes to dealing with these horrible tragedies. I know I could never handle that job.

There has been several times where I have called my Dad to come pick me up from the local watering hole because I knew I wasn't driving. Even at 27, I wouldn't hesitate to call him in the middle of the night, because I know, he would be there. I always make myself available to shuttle people too, just to keep them safe.

DF · 05-23-2006, 01:25 AM

Some people never learn, they always seem to get duii and duii and never get the hint.

And the drunks always seem to walk away from the crash, while some poor person in the wrong place at the wrong time, lays clinging to life while the paramedics and ER staff fight to save their life.

If you drive drunk, your stupid. If you drive after three or four beers, your still stupid.

All drunk drivers should have to watch this video over, and over, and over again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNsn1iNq9IU

Snakebite · 05-23-2006, 02:50 AM

Then again there's enough idiots out there who shouldn't be driving in any condition that you can't stop that make drunk drivers seem mild in comparison. I'm not defending drunk driving here. I'm making a point about the morons who shouldn't be behind the wheel PERIOD! Case in point, the idiot in the RV that seemingly pulled over after going only a fifth the speed limit seemingly to let me by, then pulled a hard left right into me as I tried to pass. No turn signals, just a stupid comment about what I was trying to do. California plates to boot! And that's just yesterday.

Don't get me wrong, I have a busted neck because of a drunk driver, but the number of idiots out there who shouldn't be behind the wheel due to general mental incapacity is staggering. I see it every day, and I live on the coast. I can't imagine having to live in the Portland area and try to get anywhere safely. I lived in Gladstone for a short time and it was a challenge just to get to the Clackamas lab only to trailor a boat to the river through all that humanity.

jvp · 05-23-2006, 05:42 AM

Maybe they should change the tactic of arresting people sleeping it off in their parked cars for drunk driving.

not that that stops the idiots but it would deter some to sleep it off for an hr or 2.

JustCallMeDave · 05-23-2006, 06:46 AM

Quote:

All drunk drivers should have to watch this video over, and over, and over again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNsn1iNq9IU

Dang, you're harsh. Making them listen to stories of families affected by drunken driving is one thing, but making someone sit down and watch whiney MTV videos is HARSH!

DF · 05-23-2006, 07:15 AM

sleeping it off for an hour or two wont do a drunk much good anyway...

and I'm not so sure they arrest people sleeping in their cars?

Dave, I hate MTV videos....it just so happens that this one says mtv on it.

jvp · 05-23-2006, 07:18 AM

Quote:

sleeping it off for an hour or two wont do a drunk much good anyway...

and I'm not so sure they arrest people sleeping in their cars?

Dave, I hate MTV videos....it just so happens that this one says mtv on it.

Yes they arrest people for drunk driving while sleeping it off.

wannacatchem · 05-23-2006, 10:27 AM

In Oregon, if you are in your car with your keys in your pocket and you are intoxicated, you can/will be arrested. doesn't matter if you are in the front or back seats. You can also be arrested for intoxicated operation of a bicycle, and speeding on same. Don't ask me how I know that. However, the judge dropped the charges.

I'm sure someone more computer savy than I can find the statute and post it

Seefood Man · 05-23-2006, 10:47 AM

My neighbor's son is now out of jail, after a 8 month stint in Cowlitz County jail for his 3rd DUI in about 1 1/2 years. This "man" for lack of a better term, is about 49yo and has to live with his 70yo parents because he can't drive to hold down a job

His brother died many years ago from alcoholism as well. What does it take for people to get it

.
Hell, I like to have a few drinks now and then, but I only drink at my house. So I'm not being one of those holy then them people,just more responsible then them.

Boatdog · 05-23-2006, 10:57 AM

Regarding sleeping it off in a car when intoxicated: quote "In Oregon, if you are in your car with your keys in your pocket and you are intoxicated, you can/will be arrested. doesn't matter if you are in the front or back seats." end quote.

Anybody else have some more facts on this?

Is this only if you are on a public roadway, shoulder, or along a curb?

What if your keys are hidden somewhere outside of the vehicle?

How about in the parking lot of the establishment that served you?

Very interesting, indeed....

Seefood Man · 05-23-2006, 02:54 PM

Boat dog, You bring up a good point, how would this apply to people in a motor home having a few beers while playing cards in a road side rest area.

Maybe officers choice :whazzup:

steelhead22 · 05-23-2006, 03:16 PM

This may only apply to the college guys/girls out there.

When I was in my fraternity in college, we decided to set up a "Designated Driver Phone" (aka "The Drunk Phone"). Funds from the fraternity (the members) paid for the phone and the monthly bill. We gave every member the number on a card and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night (the drinkin' nights at OSU) a member would volunteer himself and his car for the night (keep track of your miles and we'd pay ya back for you gas). His responsibility was to make sure everyone that called got a ride home from wherever they may be. No need to drive drunk, and no excuses if you did (automatic explusion from the fraternity).

Although we didn't know it at the time, a mindset was developed in the members of that house. Still, to this day, 3 years since we've been in the house, when I go out with those guys someone always asks, "Who's on the drunk phone tonight?"

Just thought I'd share a little different way of getting around sleepin' it off, or walking 2 miles home when you've had a few too many

.

wannacatchem · 05-23-2006, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Regarding sleeping it off in a car when intoxicated: quote "In Oregon, if you are in your car with your keys in your pocket and you are intoxicated, you can/will be arrested. doesn't matter if you are in the front or back seats." end quote.

Anybody else have some more facts on this?

Is this only if you are on a public roadway, shoulder, or along a curb?

What if your keys are hidden somewhere outside of the vehicle?

How about in the parking lot of the establishment that served you?

Very interesting, indeed....

I was told that just a few months ago while sitting in the living room of a policeman friend of mine. We had eaten a very good dinner and were having a few post dinner drinks, which is a good time to hear stupid people stories. Anyway...I will see if I can get a clarification on the statement, but he isn't the only person in law enforcement I have heard that basic statement come from.

freespool · 05-23-2006, 03:33 PM

Sobriety During Sessions A Goal

Salem - Unlike most people, Oregon legislators and their staffers don't have a rule that says they're not supposed to be intoxicated on the job.

But they need one, the Public Commission on the Oregon Legislature said Monday.

"Alchhol and legislating do not mix," said Kerry Tymchuck, a commissioner and chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, R- Oregon.

Part of the commission had heard eariler from Anne Pratt of Springfirld, who said she was shocked to talk with several intoxicated lawmakers on the last night of the 2005 legislative session in Augest.

Pratt, whose son was killed by a drunk driver in 1998, was in Salem unsuccessfully trying to get legislators to increase the minimum prision term for any drunken driver who kills someone after doing so before.

She said she encountered "four or five" lawmakers and some staffers who showed signs such as having alcohol on their breath and speaking and walking with difficulty. Others backed her up, saying they'd seen legislators intoxicated during earlier legislative sessions.

With Pratt watching Monday, one of the commissioners told her colleagues it was a problem.

"We have had members vote drunk", said Sen. Avel Gordy, D-Portland, as she and the other commissioners voted unanimously Monday.

Like Pratt, Gordly declined to name names.

- Dave Hogan

slimy · 05-23-2006, 10:28 PM

Dont drink & drive

It cant be stressed enough. I lost a good friend to a drunk driver, so im on a personal mission. Im not against having a drink, but do it at home and not before driving, anytime, anywhere, anything. And please keep in mind that if your driving around with an ifish sticker on your vehicle after having a drink, you could be setting a bad example. Even a couple beers with your pizza can be enough to change the lives of innocent people,so think about it please. Set an example for our children and dont show your kids how to drink and drive!!!

im stepping off my soapbox now, and thank you for listening! stay safe, drive sober.