HYANNIS, Massachusetts – [HN NOTES & MULLINGS ON THE MATTER] – A fun night out can change in a heartbeat whenever one mixes alcohol consumption with getting behind the wheel.

It’s a costly mistake. At best, one might wind up losing their license while paying out thousands in fines, along with other costs related to being arrested…

… at worst, you or someone else can wind up in the morgue.

It’s never worth it or wise to tempt one’s fate when there are taxi cabs and Ubers available at a reasonable fee. Especially compared to what an OUI arrest or at-fault crash might cost otherwise.

Do the math. Pay the cab. Arrive home safe and sound.

Simple.

[Above HN Photos]

Police responded to a Hyannis bar at closing for a patron who wouldn’t leave. At some point while investigating, a woman backed into a police cruiser parked on scene. After a series of questions and field sobriety tests, including a portable breathalyzer, a young woman was arrested on the suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.  (She’s innocent until proven guilty…)

She alledgedly made a mistake. Her life, thank God, is not over.   She’s still free to make better decisions, and to enjoy a peaceful and happy life.  She’s still free to make amends, if necessary.  And, to their credit, officers were compassionate when the tears started upon her being placed in handcuffs. But nonetheless…

… drunk driving laws are in place to protect us from ourselves and others. It’s a serious charge because of the potential for serious injury or death should there be a crash. And out of all the ways to potentially cause yourself or others to die violently, it’s a way that’s 100% preventable by simply making the decision not to drive whenever drinking (or drugging… or texting for that matter).

It’s a serious allegation and charge.

In my lifetime, I’ve seen so many fatal crashes related to drunk driving, drugged driving, or some other form of negligent operation, I literally cannot call them all to mind for an accurate count. And for that reason, I find it very hard to muster very much sympathy for grown-ass adults making the stupid decision to risk lives by getting behind the wheel while buzzed or under the influence, to any degree. If you can buy a drink, you can buy a cab ride.

In recent days, and in the spirit of our festive “holidays,” I’ve posted the stories of several alcohol related driving incidents. And what astounds me are the comments and unnecessary judgments on Facebook… and the fact that some people are more likely to excuse drunk driving behaviors if it’s a police officer or someone who’s “nice,” popular or normally well behaved, etc.

Just over a year ago I was in district court for the arraignment of an accused drunk driver who fled the scene after colliding with a motorcycle. The young motorcyclist was killed. The next day a grieving family took up an entire bench near the front row as the court read the charges to a man in handcuffs, accused of drunk driving and vehicular homicide. With tears in their eyes, the family held up framed photos of the young 18-year-old man who was killed. The pain was palpable.

On the opposite side of the courtroom, sat the sons of the handcuffed man standing accused. Their pain was palpable.

Since high school, I’ve been on hand to witness unfathomable deadly crashes, some involving dear friends, others involving complete strangers. I’ve seen families trying to make sense of something that is senseless, but entirely preventable in most cases. I’ve seen the blood, and I’ve seen the tears. And the pain is always palpable…

Out of all the crimes I cover, drunk driving is near the top for its undisputed potential to cause preventable pain and suffering. I wish more people would weigh the risks and take it more seriously.

I’ve seen too much in my life. I’ve survived and learned a few things along the way.  I’ve learned from my own mistakes.  And as for getting behind the wheel after even just one drink, I don’t recommend it. It’s not worth the potential pain and various forms of suffering.

It’s senseless.

And I ask, isn’t the human condition difficult enough without complicating things even more with the stupid decision to drive after drinking?

Meditate on it.

P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is a brought to you by Mongo Santamaria… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY!]

*  The initial details contained in the above report are based on police radio transmissions and information on scene. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Business Card Directory

Add your business card click here