Question regarding Drunk Driving

**ramanth** · 10-12-2007, 10:22 AM

Thanks guys.

I feel horrible for not calling last night. I pray no one was hurt and the person just slept it off.

I suck at recognizing most car models during the day so at night it's especially hard. I also have this fear about calling 911. I'm so afraid I'm going to get in trouble for something that may not be viewed as a life threatening emergency.

I'll be looking into a non emergency number or maybe take a trip down to the local station and ask them.

KBlaix, I once called in an accident and the operator snapped at me that they were already taking care of it. I realize she must of just been having a bad day, but it sure didn't help my fear of calling 911. In an age of cell phones I bet most assume someone else will call and take care of it.

**mina'smomma** · 10-12-2007, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by ramanth

Thanks guys.

I feel horrible for not calling last night. I pray no one was hurt and the person just slept it off.

I suck at recognizing most car models during the day so at night it's especially hard. I also have this fear about calling 911. I'm so afraid I'm going to get in trouble for something that may not be viewed as a life threatening emergency.

I'll be looking into a non emergency number or maybe take a trip down to the local station and ask them.

KBlaix, I once called in an accident and the operator snapped at me that they were already taking care of it. I realize she must of just been having a bad day, but it sure didn't help my fear of calling 911. In an age of cell phones I bet most assume someone else will call and take care of it.

I don't know how your county views drunk driving, but here in Clare County we view it as a life or death situation. We even lost a deputy because the guy was drunk driving and driving down the wrong side of the expressway. He had a headon collision with the deputy. He was so drunk that not only did he not realize he was going the wrong way he was also driving without headlights on. Because of him not only did he take his life, but he killed the deputy and left three little girls with no daddy.

**AbbyMom** · 10-12-2007, 11:16 AM

I'll be looking into a non emergency number or maybe take a trip down to the local station and ask them.

Please do ask your local police. Here in the Chicago suburbs, we are always to call 911 for everything. Even to report a stray cat.

We are NOT to call the police on a local phone for anything that requires dispatching.

Edited to add: Please do call 911 the next time. I've wondered about this myself and now I'm resolved to do it.

**Catty1** · 10-12-2007, 11:40 AM

I called once because of an erratic driver - except the poor guy seemed to keep falling asleep at the wheel!

911 here will put me through immediately to whatever police detachment I request - Calgary, Cochrane RCMP, etc

Used it too one winter when someone's car slid into the ditch medium between the two sets of lanes on the #1 just past Banff.

It was dark and cold - and there was some traffic...but not much.

The guy was standing outside his car and may have had a cell...but I didn't see any sign of it.

I totally use 911 for drunk drivers - and anything else like that.

I wonder, for all the dangers of using cells while driving, how many lives they have saved?

**smokey the elder** · 10-12-2007, 01:05 PM

I would call 911 and report (after pulling over to the side of the road) and try to give a landmark or mile marker. DUI is not something to mess with.

**lizbud** · 10-12-2007, 05:44 PM

I think that situation should be reported as soon as you can. I don't
carry a cell phone, so I'd have to stop to call. I think you are mature
enought to know what's an emergency, and what isn't.

Maybe the 911 operator was snappy because she had a heck of a day
and was just stressed out.Doesn't excuse her behavior,but might explain
it.

**BitsyNaceyDog** · 10-12-2007, 06:56 PM

I'm so glad you started this thread, it's just a good reminder to everyone that drunk driving is serious. Even getting behind the wheel of a car after one drink can be very dangerous.

Two years ago Justin and I were hit by a drunk driver. We were very blessed as neither of us were hurt. The lady was so drunk that she fell onto the ground when she was trying to get out of the car, she couldn't stand at all. (She wasn't injured at all, just totally drunk.)