I had heard commercials before this weekend that Fortuna police would be out in force looking for drivers who were impaired by alcohol. I warned some people over this while at a softball tournament in Fortuna where beer and softball go hand in hand. And you know that some of the people leaving had a few beers. Recently retired NBA player Jalon Rose was picked up for a DUI. Police figure he had 12 martinis and he blew a .088 at the sight he was taken in to custody. He was almost legal even though he drank how much? So I went on the Police Notebook and checked out their Blood Alcohol Content Calculator to see how much a guy my size (210lbs) could drink in 2 hours and still be legal to drive. 6 Screwdrivers, 5 Margaritas, a six pack of beer or 6 glasses of wine! So how much booze are those people drinking when they are popped for a DUI? Kind of scary to think someone would drink that much and then get behind the wheel!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Drinking and driving reality. How much is too much to drive?
I had heard commercials before this weekend that Fortuna police would be out in force looking for drivers who were impaired by alcohol. I warned some people over this while at a softball tournament in Fortuna where beer and softball go hand in hand. And you know that some of the people leaving had a few beers. Recently retired NBA player Jalon Rose was picked up for a DUI. Police figure he had 12 martinis and he blew a .088 at the sight he was taken in to custody. He was almost legal even though he drank how much? So I went on the Police Notebook and checked out their Blood Alcohol Content Calculator to see how much a guy my size (210lbs) could drink in 2 hours and still be legal to drive. 6 Screwdrivers, 5 Margaritas, a six pack of beer or 6 glasses of wine! So how much booze are those people drinking when they are popped for a DUI? Kind of scary to think someone would drink that much and then get behind the wheel!
Don't you remember the days before M.A.D.D.? Wasn't exactly blood on the streets. In fact, everybody got along quite well. DUI's have become a cash cow.
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel about having DUI charges posted in the newspaper before conviction? A little defamation of character perhaps? Not everyone busted for DUI is guilty.
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't understand are the silly dances and tricks they make you do. Just go straight to the damn breathelyzer. A CHP pulled me from my car after I had one beer. I totally failed the tricks they make you do on the side of the road in front of everyone. When he finally had me blow, he took one look and said "have a nice day." What the hell was the point of all that? Just go straight to the damn breathelyzer.
ReplyDeleteIt is really easy to avoid getting a DUI. Don't drink and drive. It couldn't be a "cash cow" if it weren't for alcoholics that can't quit drinking and driving and want to make excuses for the fact that they break the law. It may very well be that one beer is too much if you wreck and/or hurt someone due to your impairment. I do agree that they should just go directly to a breathylyzer and forgo all of those tests on the side of the road. I think that may be something that is left over from the days when the only way to judge impairment was to do those stupid tests.
ReplyDeleteThey go straight to the breathylyzer in New Zealand. While you're sitting in your car.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, you don't have to do those side-of-the-road tests. They have you do them because they are totally subjective - the officer can testify that you "looked" drunk. There is no scientific basis for them but if you agree to take them you leave yourself at the mercy of the officer's perception. You can't win. Just (nicely) state that you prefer not to do them. The only test you are required to take, by law, is some version of breath or blood test for alcohol. The less you do, the less there is any reason to detain you, and certainly, the less pseudo-objective evidence to be placed against you. But anon. at #4 has the best idea. That's a slam dunk.
ReplyDeleteRichard, thats how much I typically drink. Only problem is I poop it all out before I drive lowering my B.A.C.
ReplyDeleteRichard knows the secret to successful drunk driving. Eat some ham and gravy before you go out.
ReplyDelete