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Today's Poll: If you see a possible drunken driver on the road, do you call the police?

By Howard B. Owens
Phil Ricci

If you know someone is intoxicated, and don't report it, I think you're as guilty as they are. Both are potentially life taking poor judgements.

Just my view.

Nov 28, 2012, 8:13am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

If I see that someone is driving erratically, I would call and HAVE called 911 to report what I saw. They may not even be intoxicated. The driver could be having a medical issue. Either way, the lives of other people are in jeopardy and the erratic driver needs to be evaluated.

Nov 28, 2012, 8:46am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

I can't believe anyone would say no. It's not snitching as you don't know what the circumstances are. They might be intoxicated or they could be in serious medical trouble. How would you feel if you found out that your "no snitch" rule killed someone? PATHETIC! <---- I love that word lately.

Nov 28, 2012, 8:57am Permalink
mike nixon

now upto 107!? are you kidding me. At what point do you look at the possible deadly situation and think you shouldn't say something? serious question here. Why would you say no?

Nov 28, 2012, 1:43pm Permalink
John Woodworth JR

Hello Mike, I agree with you but, some people you just can't reason with. They believe you are snitching, that you don't know the person is drunk and/or you will ruin someone's life.

I have assisted local law enforcement in numerous DUI/DWI stops usually on my way home from work. The one that was stopped was under the influence of drugs and on his way to pick up his three years old son from mother's house in Rochester. Another that was stop was DWI and heading into work at 03:00 hours. He passed me at approximately between 95-100 MPH.

Those who said, "No" rather turn the other cheek and pretend like it did not happen. They probably have driven a hundred times like that and never had a problem. Which may be true but, it only takes one time to have something negative happen. My questions for those who stated, No, is this. What if, you spotted someone driving recklessly and possible under the influence or even having a medical issue and they kill someone close to you? Do you blame them or do you blame yourself? If, you don’t notify Police then you are responsible. Your involvement will save lives of an innocent bystander(s) and maybe even the vehicle operator. To say “No” is irresponsible on your behalf.

Nov 28, 2012, 6:17pm Permalink
John Woodworth JR

Yeah just another lame excuse. So, Peter if you do public safety (I do enough to keep the public safe.) so, how is it not your job? So, basically if someone could save you and decide it is not their job and you get seriously injured or killed, then it is oh well? Just curious, what do you do?

Nov 28, 2012, 9:52pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

Yes it is "oh well". I don't expect anyone to do anything for me in this country any more.

I would rather not mention what I do beyond what I said in a public forum.

I also believe DWI has been used to ruin the lives of otherwise good people and the new breathalyzer mandate for convicted people is bullpoo.

Please don't respond if you are going to give me some bleeding heart crap about how drunks can kill. If I want to hear about that I would talk to MADD.

Nov 28, 2012, 10:00pm Permalink
John Woodworth JR

LMAO, Bleeding Heart? Fact is fact Peter. In your case a bleeding heart would equal a heartless one. Apparently, your public service has nothing to do with public safety. DWI is not used to ruin people's lives. It is basically like saying guns kill people. They do not, people kill people and guns are just a method/tool. People make their own decision, hench why it is called free will. Meaning they choose to drink and drive, they choose to kill, etc.... So, to bring in breathalyzer as BS method to convict people, who chosen to do what they do, is asinine.

Nov 28, 2012, 10:43pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

As far as what I do, I am in public safety. But I am being a bit facetious. I personally don't care and wouldn't call about a potentially drunk driver. But I am not so black hearted as to not have compassion for the people who have been affected.

The breathalyzer I was talking about is the in car interlock system. I think it is bullpoo.

I don't believe in ever lasting punishments for crimes below murder. Especially ones that cost people money.

Nov 29, 2012, 7:51am Permalink
mike nixon

WHEN WE STOPPED HOLDING EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE AND LET THE GOVERNMENT DO IT FOR US, AT THAT VERY MOMENT, IS WHEN THIS COUNTRY WENT TO $#IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nov 29, 2012, 12:35pm Permalink

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