Calling in on drunks on the road
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Freds
Veteran Member
Sounds like you were driving through my area, Harv. Pulling out of the trailer park and dollar store and attaining a max speed of 25, when it's a 45 zone, is a way of life around here. Of course, we get our fair share of DUIs, too, but those are usually 2 in the morning.
buckeyefarmer
Epic Contributor
yesterday, 8 am sunday morning, a guy's 3rd DUI, he crosses medium and hits a car of Nuns head on, killing one, other two severly injured.
report them.
Just found out this guy is an Illegal, but was free while it was being investigated.....
report them.
Just found out this guy is an Illegal, but was free while it was being investigated.....
Last edited:
DWI 101:
In order to stop a suspected DWI driver a PO must have probable cause (speeding, weaving, stop sign violation, etc.). An anonymous call is not enough. The PO must observe a violation himself. The exception is if the civilian caller is willing to identify himself/herself and appear in court. Once a legitimate stop is made, the officer can use common sense and detect such things as an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, poor balance. The next step is usually a field sobriety test. That includes the HGN (eye test, follow the pen), walk and turn, one leg stand, and can include the alphabet test (forward or backwards), finger to nose, pick up the coins, etc.The suspect is then placed under arrest and asked to take a breath, blood or urine test. Even if they refuse, they are still under arrest. If they take the test and the reading is .08 (thanks to our federal govt. oops, is that political?) or above, they are presumed to be intoxicated. Taking the test or refusing the test has (different)civil consequences with the suspect's driver's license. In court, the prosecutor can prove their case either with a reading or with the subjective testimony of the PO. The prosecutor must show the the suspect was 1. driving or in control of a motor vehicle; and 2. that his reading was .08 or above OR that he was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous drug. In Louisiana, attorney fees are $1500 to $5000 (Ist offense). Fines are $300 to $1000 plus court costs and probation fees (up to $2000, and your insurance will triple. Also, you may have to put an interlock devise (blow into the tube before you start the car) on any vehicle you drive
in order to get a restricted license to drive to work.
Bottom line: CABS ARE CHEEP.
Norm
In order to stop a suspected DWI driver a PO must have probable cause (speeding, weaving, stop sign violation, etc.). An anonymous call is not enough. The PO must observe a violation himself. The exception is if the civilian caller is willing to identify himself/herself and appear in court. Once a legitimate stop is made, the officer can use common sense and detect such things as an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, poor balance. The next step is usually a field sobriety test. That includes the HGN (eye test, follow the pen), walk and turn, one leg stand, and can include the alphabet test (forward or backwards), finger to nose, pick up the coins, etc.The suspect is then placed under arrest and asked to take a breath, blood or urine test. Even if they refuse, they are still under arrest. If they take the test and the reading is .08 (thanks to our federal govt. oops, is that political?) or above, they are presumed to be intoxicated. Taking the test or refusing the test has (different)civil consequences with the suspect's driver's license. In court, the prosecutor can prove their case either with a reading or with the subjective testimony of the PO. The prosecutor must show the the suspect was 1. driving or in control of a motor vehicle; and 2. that his reading was .08 or above OR that he was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous drug. In Louisiana, attorney fees are $1500 to $5000 (Ist offense). Fines are $300 to $1000 plus court costs and probation fees (up to $2000, and your insurance will triple. Also, you may have to put an interlock devise (blow into the tube before you start the car) on any vehicle you drive
in order to get a restricted license to drive to work.
Bottom line: CABS ARE CHEEP.
Norm
Obed
Elite Member
I witnessed a taxi that was weaving in and out of traffic and ended up side-swiping a car. I stopped, gave the driver of the car that got hit my business card and said I'd act as a witness if needed. Later I was contacted by a policeman who took my statement. I know if I were in the same situation, I'd appreciate someone's doing the same. Sometimes without a witness, it is impossible to determine who actually caused an accident if the driver's stories contradict.
Obed
MikeD74T
Veteran Member
One more thing DUIs & fighterpilots DON'T have in common is exclusivity of space. The driving world has to share the same road as drunks but fighter pilots share only with each other & all other traffic is excluded. Obviously they are trained for exceptionally high workload but in those circumstances where they have to share high workload airspace with others the goal is that someone will die, i.e. in combat. Fighter pilots are heroes ,but like race car drivers, many don't play well with others when not in their own world. Fighter pilots don't generally go on to become airline pilots. MikeD74T
MF RED in MT
Veteran Member
Don't just report suspected drunk driving, but also drivers that are a safety hazard to the public. This can be sleeply drivers, drivers with a medical condition, and drivers that pass vehicles on a blind curve on a two lane highway. These examples are to just name a few, but remember to be a good citizen and that might just save the drivers life, and most of all the lives of innocent people. When calling 911, be prepared to give your name and address, a description of the vehicle, license plate number, location and direction of travel of the vehicle, and if possible, a description of the driver, and a description of what the driver is doing or not doing (like crossing over the painted line in their lane, how many times in a specific distance, not maintaining a constant speed). Be sure before you call, or when you call, tell them something is just not right with this driver and explain. KC
niemeyjt
Silver Member
Thanks for the information - it is always interesting to learn how things are done in other countries.
Currently we have a similar rule to the above - although there is talk of introducing random tests (and lowering limit to 0.05 like most of rest of Europe)
However, the Police are inventive as to how to get "reason to believe someone has been drinking" and asking for a breath test.
One neighbour said he was followed for several miles by a Police car, so, as one would he drove by the book - no speeding, indicating correctly etc to make sure he did nothing wrong for which he could be pulled. He got pulled anyhow.
"You were driving very carefully sir, have you been drinking? Would you mind blowing into this breathaliser?"
Of course, had he not been driving cautiously he would have got pulled for whatever mistake he made.
Another favourite is on the last Friday before Christmas, Police go to railway station car parks to offer commuters returning home from the Xmas party "words of advice on road safety" - delivered, of course, through an open car window and accompanied by several deep inhales of breath to smell alcohol. Again, the slightest hint of alcohol and it is a request to blow into the breathaliser.
They also breathalise anyone stopped for a car fault (even a blown bulb) and all parties after a crash.
Sadly, despite all this, the local paper reports breath test failures going up in the county year on year, with the under 25s in particular being about 50% more likely to fail.
J
Currently we have a similar rule to the above - although there is talk of introducing random tests (and lowering limit to 0.05 like most of rest of Europe)
However, the Police are inventive as to how to get "reason to believe someone has been drinking" and asking for a breath test.
One neighbour said he was followed for several miles by a Police car, so, as one would he drove by the book - no speeding, indicating correctly etc to make sure he did nothing wrong for which he could be pulled. He got pulled anyhow.
"You were driving very carefully sir, have you been drinking? Would you mind blowing into this breathaliser?"
Of course, had he not been driving cautiously he would have got pulled for whatever mistake he made.
Another favourite is on the last Friday before Christmas, Police go to railway station car parks to offer commuters returning home from the Xmas party "words of advice on road safety" - delivered, of course, through an open car window and accompanied by several deep inhales of breath to smell alcohol. Again, the slightest hint of alcohol and it is a request to blow into the breathaliser.
They also breathalise anyone stopped for a car fault (even a blown bulb) and all parties after a crash.
Sadly, despite all this, the local paper reports breath test failures going up in the county year on year, with the under 25s in particular being about 50% more likely to fail.
J
Wayne County Hose
Veteran Member
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I performed a citizens arrest on a DUI a couple months ago. After reading about some of the people that were victims of drivers that were DUI, I'm even happier that I did. The district attorney said I did everything correctly. Basically, he pulled over on his own. I ripped the door open and took his keys. He had another key and tried to start the truck. I physically prevented him from putting the key in the ignition. He then pulled a pipe off the front passengers side and started to swing it at me. My GF called 911. I legally could have throttled him, but never really felt threatened. I have a little self defense training. 
The PSP showed up, 4 cars at once. I stepped out of the truck and put my hands up. They gave him a field sobriety which he failed, this gave just cause for a breathalizer. He blew a .211, with a minor child in the vehicle. I got subpoened (sp?) to appear in court. I met with the D.A. and he asked if I had police training. Luckily, all I kept on mind is to do the right thing.
The PSP showed up, 4 cars at once. I stepped out of the truck and put my hands up. They gave him a field sobriety which he failed, this gave just cause for a breathalizer. He blew a .211, with a minor child in the vehicle. I got subpoened (sp?) to appear in court. I met with the D.A. and he asked if I had police training. Luckily, all I kept on mind is to do the right thing.Obed
If I witness an accident, I always stop and give my contact Info to the parties. If there are injuries I will do what I can and will wait for the EMTs. This is important because the testimony of impartial witnesses is very important. Just think about a "red light" accident. Both parties usually claim that they had the green light. Rarely both did.
Niemeyjt
I had a friend that was stopped on the Pontchartrain Causeway (the longest bridge in the world). The reason the PO gave was that at that time of the morning, 3:30 am, most drivers his age (old) driving the speed limit are usually intoxicated. He asked the PO " how fast do I have to go over the limit so that you won't stop me?" The PO said "go away".
Waynecountyhose
Be careful. It may be good that you are in Pa. In La. a citizen can only make a "citizen's arrest" in felony cases. If you would make a citizens arrest in a misdemeanor case (DWI), it would be a false arrest. The defendant would probably find a lawyer to sue you and YOU would windup paying the perp's expenses $$$$$$$. That is, if he didn't shoot you and leave you on the side of the road.The prudent thing to do is to call it in and follow (with updates to 911) until a leo can make the stop.
Norm
If I witness an accident, I always stop and give my contact Info to the parties. If there are injuries I will do what I can and will wait for the EMTs. This is important because the testimony of impartial witnesses is very important. Just think about a "red light" accident. Both parties usually claim that they had the green light. Rarely both did.
Niemeyjt
I had a friend that was stopped on the Pontchartrain Causeway (the longest bridge in the world). The reason the PO gave was that at that time of the morning, 3:30 am, most drivers his age (old) driving the speed limit are usually intoxicated. He asked the PO " how fast do I have to go over the limit so that you won't stop me?" The PO said "go away".
Waynecountyhose
Be careful. It may be good that you are in Pa. In La. a citizen can only make a "citizen's arrest" in felony cases. If you would make a citizens arrest in a misdemeanor case (DWI), it would be a false arrest. The defendant would probably find a lawyer to sue you and YOU would windup paying the perp's expenses $$$$$$$. That is, if he didn't shoot you and leave you on the side of the road.The prudent thing to do is to call it in and follow (with updates to 911) until a leo can make the stop.
Norm
