Drunk Drivers - Do you report them? - Page 2 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

bermuDa · 11-22-2004, 11:41 AM

I never know who to call. I've seen some dangerous drivers out there, only a couple who i suspected were drunk, and debated whether i should call them in. 911 is reseved for emergencies, and I was scolded by the operator before for calling in when my house was burgled.

I suspect the problem is there needs to be a phone number like 911 for non-emergency situations. Of course, a drunk driver can become an emergency situation in a hurry, but I was never sure whether to call 911 or the police department... and really, who knows the phone number for the police department off the top of their head?

xda · 11-22-2004, 11:47 AM

Have done and would do so again. That being said, on the two occasions that I reported someone, they were in a really bad state, one guy was weaving all over the road, crossing the center line, and had already glanced off of a parked car.

The other guy I saw trying to get into his car, he spent 10 minutes trying to get the key into the ignition and then pulled off. As soon as he started the engine I rang the local police.

XDA

Gustoferson · 11-22-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bermuDa

I never know who to call. I've seen some dangerous drivers out there, only a couple who i suspected were drunk, and debated whether i should call them in. 911 is reseved for emergencies, and I was scolded by the operator before for calling in when my house was burgled.

I suspect the problem is there needs to be a phone number like 911 for non-emergency situations. Of course, a drunk driver can become an emergency situation in a hurry, but I was never sure whether to call 911 or the police department... and really, who knows the phone number for the police department off the top of their head?

Exactly what I was wondering about. I would worry about taking up a 911 line if its something that you just should call a regular number for. So for those who have done it, was it 911 or another police number? Do they ever get upset at you for using up a 911 line for calling something like that in?

Zeraph · 11-22-2004, 02:11 PM

Yes. Havn't seen one yet though.

timalkin · 11-22-2004, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stompy

No, because it's pointless to call and report other drivers.

The cops never do anything about it anyway.

In my years of driving 60+ miles a day to and from work on the freeway, I've reported TONS of idiots with road rage. I bet you not a single thing was done about em.

What is a police officer supposed to do with a report of road rage? You would have to be one stupid son of a bitch to display road rage when you get pulled over. It's your word against his.

If you call in a drunk driver, at least try to make an effort to stay behind the person and give up-to-date information to the dispatcher. It makes an officer's job so much easier.

arf · 11-22-2004, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avhg1

How are you going to feel when he injures or kills someone? What if it was your wife or child that he killed?

Probably very vey bad and i'll probably regret it for the rest of my life, but as I said he is a mate I couldn't bring myself to call the cops on him. We try to deter him as much as we can and he has gotten a bit better by not driving home drunk but we can't always keep and eye on his comings and goings.

MSD · 11-22-2004, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustoferson

Exactly what I was wondering about. I would worry about taking up a 911 line if its something that you just should call a regular number for. So for those who have done it, was it 911 or another police number? Do they ever get upset at you for using up a 911 line for calling something like that in?

If someone is driving while drunk, it's an emergency because they can take out another car, a pedestrian, or anything in the general vicinity of the road at any time. They won't get pissed off if you're reporting a crime.

wolfpack0102 · 11-22-2004, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJRousseau

I know we've all (most of us anyway) had a drink or two before getting behind the steering wheel, but I don't have much time for drunk drivers. I was driving home a 7PM on Friday when I noticed the car in front of me wasn't staying in his lane. I debated whether to call the cops and report him but it seems so drastic so instead I just followed home home to make sure he survived - which, after a few sidewalk encounters, he did.

Later I was thinking how badly I would have felt if he had hit someone when I could have stopped him.

So my question is: Do you pick up your cell phone and report drunk drivers?

no i do not phone them in unless you see some one driving VERY erracticly.

This is one subject in society that is far too over rated. People should shut up about it. Christ, people get more time in jail for a drunk driving charge then they dof ror beating the shit out of some one.

godzilla23 · 11-22-2004, 09:17 PM

I call them in from my job - I work nights at a gas station, if they come in drunk, I call the police. The drunks usually let me call them a cab before I follow through with my verbal threat of calling the police, though. I'm nice, I park their cars in our employee lot, and leave them there. Most people are greatful.

Evil Milkman · 11-22-2004, 09:20 PM

Yep, I have called the cops once so far because the kids in the car were obviously sloshed.

maleficent · 11-22-2004, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfpack0102

This is one subject in society that is far too over rated. People should shut up about it. Christ, people get more time in jail for a drunk driving charge then they do for beating the shit out of some one.

They should get more time in jail for drunk driving, it's a crime that's not taken seriously enough, otherwise people wouldn't so readily do it. You think getting behind the wheel of a car, when you are in no condition to drive, and potentially kill someone else, or yourself is overrated?

The punishement for drunk drivers, especially drunk drivers who kill someone is pitifully low. Not overrated at all

freeload · 11-23-2004, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bermuDa

... and really, who knows the phone number for the police department off the top of their head?

In Norway you can call 02800 - and get in touch with the local policedepartment. (It's not an emergency number, but suitable for most calls)

raeanna74 · 11-23-2004, 06:32 AM

I only reported one drunk driver. That's partly because I don't carry or even own a cell phone. The one time I reported it is when I saw someone leaving a bar and he couldn't even find the driveway. He just drove over the curb and swerved onto the road in front of me and even bumped over the opposite curb. I KNEW he was totally drunk. I was almost home so I grabbed his liscense plate number and called the cops as soon as I got home. Don't know if he got nabbed or not but I never saw a report in the paper the next day of an accident the night before. I'd like to think it's cause I got a drunk off the road.

Also I have not driven while drunk ever. If hubby and I ever have anything to drink, he and I take turns and one of us is always the "designated driver". Neither one of us are crazy about the feeling that alcohol gives us so we rarely drink. Even if we go to a bar with friends often both of us will have soda or I will get an energy drink. I like the feeling an energy drink gives me much more than alcohol.

cheebsteralpha · 11-23-2004, 11:21 AM

I feel responsible to call, I mean, what if they got into an accident and nuked somebody I loved. I dont personally like to get totally trashed, but I have nothing against it, just so long as they dont get behind the wheel. I have a buddy who is a volunteer fireman, hes seen some real nasty accidents, some of them casued by drunk drivers (all though the worst one was a one car accident, car v. big 'ol tree)

wolfpack0102 · 11-23-2004, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

They should get more time in jail for drunk driving, it's a crime that's not taken seriously enough, otherwise people wouldn't so readily do it. You think getting behind the wheel of a car, when you are in no condition to drive, and potentially kill someone else, or yourself is overrated?

The punishement for drunk drivers, especially drunk drivers who kill someone is pitifully low. Not overrated at all

why should one be able to beat teh daylights out of some one and go away for 10 days and if you get caught with a DUI you get 30 days? No one injured in teh DUI at all and yet the guy that gets beat up gets a broken nose and is off work for a month.

EXPLAIN!

ibis · 11-23-2004, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by animosity

People are driving while having sex.

I''d have to agree with this one, there's nothing more distracting than a good BJ on the highway.

11-24-2004, 02:04 PM

Even as a person who at one point in time went through being charged with a DUI i think it's really important. Mine was a bunch of nonsense (i blew less than .01 but was under 21), but it really is dangerous, and although i think it's a cop out to blame your own stupidity on booze, it really does impair your ability to reason properly and react as quickly.

Baldylocks2 · 11-24-2004, 04:13 PM

I consider drunk driving as nothing less than attempted manslaughter, so I would definitely report the guy. I would hate to not do anything and then have him kill or main some innocent person later on.

I am all for drunk driving = automatic 2-week jail term or more (and I LOVE to drink, but it's not that hard to keep them separate).

ShaniFaye · 11-24-2004, 04:58 PM

I havent been in that situation....a few times before cell phones came about...but not since that I have noticed...but I definately would if I suspected it. When Dave and I go out one of us is always the DD...we take turns...

on another note about cell phones and out of state....Me and him were driving up to Ashville one weekend and we'd left after work on a Friday...we were driving on the main road (I know it well but cant remember the hwy #) and a truck had dropped a container (a HUGE container, heavy plastic not metal) in the middle of the road...I didnt see it happen but it was dark grey so I didnt see it until I was almost on it, FORTUNATELY I could swerve into the emergency lane to go around it...I dialed 911 and the operator knew which road I was on...I just narrowed down which exit I was near.

wolfpack0102 · 11-24-2004, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldylocks2

I consider drunk driving as nothing less than attempted manslaughter, so I would definitely report the guy. I would hate to not do anything and then have him kill or main some innocent person later on.

I am all for drunk driving = automatic 2-week jail term or more (and I LOVE to drink, but it's not that hard to keep them separate).

so you are saying that this is worht more time behind bars then assault ?

lpj8 · 11-24-2004, 09:53 PM

I have twice had the opportunity to inform authorities about drunk drivers. Once, I called from my cell phone and described all of the information.
Another time I was driving on a two lane road and the person in front of me was swerving all over the road. After a few miles, he slammed on his brakes to a complete stop in the middle of the road for a few seconds, and then peeled out and accelerated forward. I can't say with 100% accuracy if the driver was actually drunk, but I would have put money on it. We eventually passed two cops on the side of the road, so I pulled over, and informed the officers of the driver's behavior. Then, they both began pursuing the car, and after a few miles, the car pulled over.
I have, and always will report drunk drivers to authorities, just like I would report bad posts to moderators if I was in the position.

thingstodo · 11-25-2004, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSelfDestruct

I don't think it's right to set the limit so low that you have to wait an hour after a glass of wine with dinner before you can drive home. The almost universal .08 limit, and the more restrictive .06 limit worked fine for years, and drunk drivers would always be over that limit when caught. It's fairly obvious to me that if offenders are always over the current limit, that a more restrictive limit is not the answer. I'd hardly consider .02 drunk. At .08, I'd say you're intoxicated, but still not really drunk. I think the answer is to step up the punishment for DUI. I'm not a big fan of mandatory sentencing limits, but I think that anyone found to be drinking and driving should be punished by a 30-day license revocation and mandatory AA meetings in that time. I'm not saying that anyone who drinks and drives is an alcoholic, but it's the same idea as taking delinquent kids to visit a prison to give them a dose of reality and show them why they have to shape up.

I also have issues with field sobriety tests. I can pass a field sobriety test (did it just for fun, didn't go anywhere near a car,) after over 15 drinks. I have a high natural alcohol tolerance. I don't register on a breathylizer (once again, just for fun, didn't go near a car,) until my third or fourth drink. I don't drive for at least 6 horus after drinking, even if I've only had a few, just in case something happens.

I have to say something here. And everything I say will be based on a .01% limit sine that’s the basis for my education. .008 is only 20% less, so multiply everything I say with .8 and you will be close.

I tip the scales at 220. Based on that and the fact that I am a male and the math works out to 6 drinks in a 2 hour time period for me to be at .01%. That’s using a 4 oz. Glass of wine, a 12 oz. Regular beer or a 1.5 oz. Shot of 80 proof liquor. Dark beer, 100 proof liquor, etc. change the math. And women have a lower thresh hold due to their body fat composition.

I’ve seen the tests. A group of people learns a test track for an entire day, practicing over and over. The next day they drink until they are at .01% and then drive the track. They suck. Part of the reason is that they feel so confident but don’t understand their level of impairment. It is amazing how this works. .008% is very close to .01%, close enough that the impairment and false confidence is apparent. And yes, there are exceptions and some people can handle more, but not the majority. And remember when you get behind the wheel of an average car, you are operating a 3-ton missile that can travel in excess of 100 mph. The terrorists figured that out with planes and 9/11. We were too naive to think you could use a commercial jet as a weapon of mass destruction!

Your body processes alcohol two ways – through the lungs and through the kidneys. It does so at the relative rate of a drink per hour. It would take a few drinks to register on a Breathalyzer test because you have to get enough in your system and your system has to begin processing. Field sobriety tests are pretty lame and used only to determine if someone should be held for a legal test. These include a Breathalyzer or a blood test, your choice.

All that said, I strongly agree with you that we need to step up the consequences of drunk driving. Most states suspend your license for a short period of time, hit you with a hefty fine and send you to an educational program, a whole weekend in Michigan. That works for many. For the second offenders I say toss the book at them. They have obviously not learned or forgotten that driving is a privilege.

So you don't have to limit yourself to one drink unless the math works out. And then, well, you just have to face the facts!

rfra3645 · 11-25-2004, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thingstodo

I have to say something here. And everything I say will be based on a .01% limit sine that’s the basis for my education. .008 is only 20% less, so multiply everything I say with .8 and you will be close.

I tip the scales at 220. Based on that and the fact that I am a male and the math works out to 6 drinks in a 2 hour time period for me to be at .01%. That’s using a 4 oz. Glass of wine, a 12 oz. Regular beer or a 1.5 oz. Shot of 80 proof liquor. Dark beer, 100 proof liquor, etc. change the math. And women have a lower thresh hold due to their body fat composition.

I’ve seen the tests. A group of people learns a test track for an entire day, practicing over and over. The next day they drink until they are at .01% and then drive the track. They suck. Part of the reason is that they feel so confident but don’t understand their level of impairment. It is amazing how this works. .008% is very close to .01%, close enough that the impairment and false confidence is apparent. And yes, there are exceptions and some people can handle more, but not the majority. And remember when you get behind the wheel of an average car, you are operating a 3-ton missile that can travel in excess of 100 mph. The terrorists figured that out with planes and 9/11. We were too naive to think you could use a commercial jet as a weapon of mass destruction!

Your body processes alcohol two ways – through the lungs and through the kidneys. It does so at the relative rate of a drink per hour. It would take a few drinks to register on a Breathalyzer test because you have to get enough in your system and your system has to begin processing. Field sobriety tests are pretty lame and used only to determine if someone should be held for a legal test. These include a Breathalyzer or a blood test, your choice.

All that said, I strongly agree with you that we need to step up the consequences of drunk driving. Most states suspend your license for a short period of time, hit you with a hefty fine and send you to an educational program, a whole weekend in Michigan. That works for many. For the second offenders I say toss the book at them. They have obviously not learned or forgotten that driving is a privilege.

So you don't have to limit yourself to one drink unless the math works out. And then, well, you just have to face the facts!

i ceartainly dont try to judge a bac.....

but if some dumb ass cant drive or is in fornt of me and driving eraticly in front of me and therefor could hurt me if somthing did go wrong i have no problem calling 911 and saying yeah im behind a drunk driver... i usually try and follow till the law shows up...

i have called a couple times for verry young kids not being seatbelted.. or in car seats... crawling all in the backwindow haging out the windows crawling on the drivers lap..

nothing happened to the seat belt guys..

punx1325 · 11-25-2004, 11:39 AM

I've done it twice, I probably wouldn't have ever noticed except for the fact that they tried to run me off the ROAD! I have no problem calling the cops, there is always that fear I will see a drunk driver one night, do nothing about it, and wake up to a news story of that drunk driver killing some innocent victim. The thought of me being able to help out and not doing shit about it, would really drive me insane.

11-22-2004, 11:41 AM	#41 (permalink)
bermuDa don't ignore this--> Location: CA	I never know who to call. I've seen some dangerous drivers out there, only a couple who i suspected were drunk, and debated whether i should call them in. 911 is reseved for emergencies, and I was scolded by the operator before for calling in when my house was burgled. I suspect the problem is there needs to be a phone number like 911 for non-emergency situations. Of course, a drunk driver can become an emergency situation in a hurry, but I was never sure whether to call 911 or the police department... and really, who knows the phone number for the police department off the top of their head? __________________ I am the very model of a moderator gentleman.

11-23-2004, 06:32 AM	#53 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	I only reported one drunk driver. That's partly because I don't carry or even own a cell phone. The one time I reported it is when I saw someone leaving a bar and he couldn't even find the driveway. He just drove over the curb and swerved onto the road in front of me and even bumped over the opposite curb. I KNEW he was totally drunk. I was almost home so I grabbed his liscense plate number and called the cops as soon as I got home. Don't know if he got nabbed or not but I never saw a report in the paper the next day of an accident the night before. I'd like to think it's cause I got a drunk off the road. Also I have not driven while drunk ever. If hubby and I ever have anything to drink, he and I take turns and one of us is always the "designated driver". Neither one of us are crazy about the feeling that alcohol gives us so we rarely drink. Even if we go to a bar with friends often both of us will have soda or I will get an energy drink. I like the feeling an energy drink gives me much more than alcohol. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

11-24-2004, 04:13 PM	#58 (permalink)
Baldylocks2 Upright	I consider drunk driving as nothing less than attempted manslaughter, so I would definitely report the guy. I would hate to not do anything and then have him kill or main some innocent person later on. I am all for drunk driving = automatic 2-week jail term or more (and I LOVE to drink, but it's not that hard to keep them separate). Last edited by Baldylocks2; 11-24-2004 at 04:16 PM..

11-24-2004, 04:58 PM	#59 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I havent been in that situation....a few times before cell phones came about...but not since that I have noticed...but I definately would if I suspected it. When Dave and I go out one of us is always the DD...we take turns... on another note about cell phones and out of state....Me and him were driving up to Ashville one weekend and we'd left after work on a Friday...we were driving on the main road (I know it well but cant remember the hwy #) and a truck had dropped a container (a HUGE container, heavy plastic not metal) in the middle of the road...I didnt see it happen but it was dark grey so I didnt see it until I was almost on it, FORTUNATELY I could swerve into the emergency lane to go around it...I dialed 911 and the operator knew which road I was on...I just narrowed down which exit I was near. __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

11-25-2004, 11:39 AM	#64 (permalink)
punx1325 Junkie Location: San Diego	I've done it twice, I probably wouldn't have ever noticed except for the fact that they tried to run me off the ROAD! I have no problem calling the cops, there is always that fear I will see a drunk driver one night, do nothing about it, and wake up to a news story of that drunk driver killing some innocent victim. The thought of me being able to help out and not doing shit about it, would really drive me insane. __________________ If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is....

11-22-2004, 11:47 AM	#42 (permalink)
xda Upright	Have done and would do so again. That being said, on the two occasions that I reported someone, they were in a really bad state, one guy was weaving all over the road, crossing the center line, and had already glanced off of a parked car. The other guy I saw trying to get into his car, he spent 10 minutes trying to get the key into the ignition and then pulled off. As soon as he started the engine I rang the local police. XDA

11-22-2004, 02:11 PM	#44 (permalink)
Zeraph Banned Location: The Cosmos	Yes. Havn't seen one yet though.

11-22-2004, 09:17 PM	#49 (permalink)
godzilla23 Tilted Location: Ontario, Canada	I call them in from my job - I work nights at a gas station, if they come in drunk, I call the police. The drunks usually let me call them a cab before I follow through with my verbal threat of calling the police, though. I'm nice, I park their cars in our employee lot, and leave them there. Most people are greatful.

11-22-2004, 09:20 PM	#50 (permalink)
Evil Milkman Addict Location: Illinois	Yep, I have called the cops once so far because the kids in the car were obviously sloshed.

11-23-2004, 11:21 AM	#54 (permalink)
cheebsteralpha Upright	I feel responsible to call, I mean, what if they got into an accident and nuked somebody I loved. I dont personally like to get totally trashed, but I have nothing against it, just so long as they dont get behind the wheel. I have a buddy who is a volunteer fireman, hes seen some real nasty accidents, some of them casued by drunk drivers (all though the worst one was a one car accident, car v. big 'ol tree)

11-24-2004, 02:04 PM	#57 (permalink)
thinktank Guest	Even as a person who at one point in time went through being charged with a DUI i think it's really important. Mine was a bunch of nonsense (i blew less than .01 but was under 21), but it really is dangerous, and although i think it's a cop out to blame your own stupidity on booze, it really does impair your ability to reason properly and react as quickly.

11-24-2004, 09:53 PM	#61 (permalink)
lpj8 Crazy Location: U.S.A	I have twice had the opportunity to inform authorities about drunk drivers. Once, I called from my cell phone and described all of the information. Another time I was driving on a two lane road and the person in front of me was swerving all over the road. After a few miles, he slammed on his brakes to a complete stop in the middle of the road for a few seconds, and then peeled out and accelerated forward. I can't say with 100% accuracy if the driver was actually drunk, but I would have put money on it. We eventually passed two cops on the side of the road, so I pulled over, and informed the officers of the driver's behavior. Then, they both began pursuing the car, and after a few miles, the car pulled over. I have, and always will report drunk drivers to authorities, just like I would report bad posts to moderators if I was in the position.