Monday, December 2, 2013

Another Taxi Ride to Avoid a DUI

As a counselor for alcohol awareness classes, I always ask my students why they did not choose to take a taxi instead of choosing to risk their lives and the lives of others and driving under the influence. How many do you think considered taking a taxi or calling someone to come and give them a ride home? Think about that for a moment. Do you think most do? About half? Less?The answer should surprise you - about ten percent. That means nine out of ten never even considered alternative transportation. In this day and age, with so much money spent toward promoting education and punishing behavior, can so few even consider the possibility? Following is a true story from one of my students in my alcohol awareness class.Dustin's StoryDustin and his older brother, Curtis, had not seen each other in almost 10 years. Like many siblings, these two couldn't have been more different. While Dustin was shy and reserved, a control freak, while his brother lived wild and carefree. In fact, Dustin was picking his brother up at the bus station as Curtis had just gotten out of jail.Their first stop was a local bar, because Curtis needed to "get ripping drunk." Unfortunately for Curtis, neither brother had much money and they were forced to leave after two drinks, with Dustin promising more drinks at home. Dustin's wife, Sherri, had made dinner and all three proceeded to drink a six-pack of beer and three bottles of wine with dinner. Despite the fact that Curtis had consumed almost 2 bottles himself, Dustin certainly was feeling the effects and passed out on the couch while the other two continued to drink cheap wine.At midnight he was jostled awake by Curtis, who was asking for the keys to the car. Apparently, they had run out of alcohol and Sherri and Curtis were making an alcohol and fast food run.Alcohol-Impaired DecisionOne of the many effects of alcohol is to alter the decision-making process. While Dustin believed 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 wife and brother were totally intoxicated. After much pleading, and downing two large glasses of water, Dustin said he would drive. All three piled into Dustin's Ford Escort and headed to the grocery 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 headed back to the house. Beer cans littered the back floor as Curtis continued to chug Budweiser like a man dying of thirst. Less than a mile from home, Curtis panicked as he saw the red and blue lights of a police cruiser behind him.Acting Like A Dopamine - Alcohol's MinionWhen the officer approached the car Dustin asked, "what's the problem officer?" The police officer shined his flashlight into the vehicle and noticed the empty beer cans in the back seat. He asked Dustin if he had been drinking that night. Dustin admitted to having some beer and wine with dinner, but that had been hours ago. The officer asked Dustin to get out of the car.The officer told him there had been a strong smell of alcohol in the vehicle, and Dustin tried to explain that his brother had been drinking and he was really sorry. Nevertheless, the officer gave Dustin a field sobriety test that he passed. He then asked Dustin to submit to a Breathalyzer test. Feeling confident after passing the field sobriety test, Dustin agreed. His blood-alcohol-level was.12. Dustin was placed under arrest.Both his wife and brother were completely inebriated and unable to drive, and they had spent all their money on alcohol and fast food. They both spent the night in the drunk take with Dustin, but were able to leave on their own once they had sobered up the following afternoon. Dustin was not so lucky. He spent two nights in jail.Costs Associated with DUIAfter being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) Dustin was forced to take an alcohol awareness class. His legal costs, increased insurance premiums and fines ended up costing Dustin almost $7,000.00.I asked Dustin if he had considered calling a taxi to take them to the liquor store and to get late-night munchies. He and the rest of the class broke out in laughter. Not one of my students in that class ever had considered taking a taxi from their own home to go buy alcohol or fast food.In fact, I have asked hundreds of students this same question, "have you ever considered taking a taxi from your home to go and purchase something when you may have had too much to drink?" The response is a resounding 100% - the thought had never entered into the minds of any of them.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.

Mike Miller is the Education Director at Online Alcohol Class, a website specializing on online alcohol awareness classes and minor in possession classes. You can visit his site at http://online

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