A sobering thought
I have a confession to make. Eighteen years ago, I was arrested for drunk driving. I had been at a bar with some friends and as I was driving home, I suddenly realized "Hey! I'm drunk!" With all the wisdom of my intoxication, I decided that instead of pulling over and making a call home, I would hurry. You know, get home quicker because I really shouldn't be driving. I was pulled over for driving 50 mph in a 25 mph zone, made to walk a line and write the alphabet. I failed, was cuffed and put in the squad car. I spent the night in jail and had to walk home, since my boyfriend didn't answer the phone when they released me at 6 am.
I was convicted. My license was restricted and I had to attend 8 weeks of classes on driving impaired. I don't drink and drive anymore and I am adamant about not letting my friends drive drunk. I learned my lesson with little damage to myself and no damage to others.
Last night, Grant and I were rear-ended while waiting at a red light by a drunk driver travelling at high speed. The impact of the crash pushed us completely into the intersection; we were unbelievably lucky that a car in the cross-traffic didn't broadside us. Given that the speed limit in that area is 70 k, one or both of us would probably be dead.
The other driver is in custody. We haven't a clue if he has insurance, because he fled the scene and spun off the road about 300 metres beyond. Then he and his passenger tried to flee on foot. No dice. They were apprehended by a canine unit and taken to the hospital, because they were pretty messed up. The police found an open bottle of Crown Royal and a bottle of Coke on the floor next to the driver's seat. We hope that he will be get as much of the book thrown at him that the criminal justice system will allow.
One thing that struck both Grant and I (aside from the car...) is how many people this accident ended up involving. Several people stopped to help us and stayed to make a witness report, which took over an hour out of their lives. We saw at least 3 police patrol cars on the scene, plus the fire department and the paramedics that came to check us over. These men and women were tied up for a couple of hours by the actions of one person. One guy making a stupid choice.
I made that stupid choice once. I got a big ass reminder last night just how stupid I was.
I was convicted. My license was restricted and I had to attend 8 weeks of classes on driving impaired. I don't drink and drive anymore and I am adamant about not letting my friends drive drunk. I learned my lesson with little damage to myself and no damage to others.
Last night, Grant and I were rear-ended while waiting at a red light by a drunk driver travelling at high speed. The impact of the crash pushed us completely into the intersection; we were unbelievably lucky that a car in the cross-traffic didn't broadside us. Given that the speed limit in that area is 70 k, one or both of us would probably be dead.
The other driver is in custody. We haven't a clue if he has insurance, because he fled the scene and spun off the road about 300 metres beyond. Then he and his passenger tried to flee on foot. No dice. They were apprehended by a canine unit and taken to the hospital, because they were pretty messed up. The police found an open bottle of Crown Royal and a bottle of Coke on the floor next to the driver's seat. We hope that he will be get as much of the book thrown at him that the criminal justice system will allow.
One thing that struck both Grant and I (aside from the car...) is how many people this accident ended up involving. Several people stopped to help us and stayed to make a witness report, which took over an hour out of their lives. We saw at least 3 police patrol cars on the scene, plus the fire department and the paramedics that came to check us over. These men and women were tied up for a couple of hours by the actions of one person. One guy making a stupid choice.
I made that stupid choice once. I got a big ass reminder last night just how stupid I was.
posted by allison | 4:03 PM
6 Comments:
Wow. Taking the positives- your one mistake taught you, and those around you, not to do it. Which has saved each of them from making it.
That's something. I'm glad both you and Grant are OK [hugs]
Phew! I'm glad your accident didn't turn out to be serious.
Wow.
First of all, I'm so relieved that you and Grant weren't hurt.
It's bad enough to have had been drinking and driving... but this driver seems to have been drinking while driving.
Jesus.
We're all very glad you both are safe.
*many Bears hugs for Allisoo and Grant*
All the Bears
I'm glad to hear that you are both ok!
I too drove drunk once. I was 16 and scared the bejeezus out of myself because it really was like that MADD commercial where they put the beer glasses in front of the camera. Never did it again, won't let anyone I'm with do it now.
Yeah, I think most of us who are live with a lot of cars have a time that was over the line - or a time where we were with someone and we suddenly realise they shouldn't be driving. It is scary when that happens.
Of course, I think that based on someone drinking WHILE driving is actually about a person not new to this at all. I'm so sorry you were hurt by this guy.
*hugs*
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