# If You See Somebody Gulping Liquor Behind the Wheel, What Do You Do?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [October 6, 2012, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873 "2012-10-06T03:16:16Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2012, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/21 "2012-10-08T22:17:43Z")
> [@Jaledin](#):
>
> I guess call. It’s illegal here to use a cell phone while driving, and studies show that cell phone use can be just as much an impediment to safe driving as some alcohol use.
We have that law in my state, which makes it rather ironic to have those road signs urging us to report impaired drivers by calling 911.
Maybe 911 calls should be exempt from that law, which would make sense in a number of ways.
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### Author:  [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2012, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/22 "2012-10-08T22:56:37Z")
In CA, using a cell phone while driving is illegal, however, calling 911 with it is permissible.
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### Author:  [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/23 "2012-10-09T01:13:50Z")
> [@Jaledin](#):
>
> I guess call. It’s illegal here to use a cell phone while driving, and studies show that cell phone use can be just as much an impediment to safe driving as some alcohol use.
I believe legal restrictions on use of cell phones while driving specifically allow for emergency calls, probably to allow drivers to report such problems.
Must remember to find my Bluetooth and figure out using the thing.
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### Author:  [@Clark\_Cello](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clark_Cello)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/24 "2012-10-09T01:16:21Z")
> [@Jaledin](#):
>
> I guess call. **It’s illegal here to use a cell phone while driving, and studies show that cell phone use can be just as much an impediment to safe driving as some alcohol use.**
>
> How about trying to get the guy to have a wreck? A deserted country road at night, you know it Ike the back of your hand. Just force him off the road. He might kill a horse or some crap, but maybe she can get croaked too. Win-win.
Good point. That is why, if I see someone talking on their phone while driving, I shoot out their tires and force them into an overpass abutment. It’s really the only responsible thing to do.
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### Author:  [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/25 "2012-10-09T01:20:30Z")
Sorry, didn’t read whole thread first. Never mind.
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### Author:  [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/26 "2012-10-09T04:35:11Z")
I wouldn’t do anything and you people are the most meddling MFers I’ve ever known.
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### Author:  [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/27 "2012-10-09T17:59:44Z")
> [@Blackberry](#):
>
> I wouldn’t do anything and you people are the most meddling MFers I’ve ever known.
I disagree. What I saw was blatant, and he was drinking it like a gatorade commercial. I really worry that he’s going to kill somebody someday.
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### Author:  [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/28 "2012-10-09T18:21:24Z")
> [@bup](#):
>
> I disagree. What I saw was blatant, and he was drinking it like a gatorade commercial. I really worry that he’s going to kill somebody someday.
Other than shape/type of bottle - and maybe even a label - how sure are you of its contents? Maybe he just likes f\*ing with people and it was water.
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### Author:  [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/29 "2012-10-09T18:42:42Z")
> [@simster](#):
>
> Other than shape/type of bottle - and maybe even a label - how sure are you of its contents? Maybe he just likes f\*ing with people and it was water.
Then he should have no problem explaining that to the cops.
“No, officer, see, it’s just water in an old Jim Beam bottle. Because I like messing with people.”
You know what, the jokes on you. You pulled a prank and it backfired, now you gotta deal with the consequences, i.e. getting pulled over by a cop.
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### Author:  [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/30 "2012-10-09T19:21:42Z")
I can’t disagree or argue with calling 911… but…
…if it was me, I wonder if I would. Only because I sometimes buy the glass root beer/cream soda bottles that look like beer\* or the Arizona iced teas in the larger brown bottles. And each time I’m drinking one in the car, I think “Man, I hope no one thinks I’m drinking a beer and calls the cops on me”.
I guess if I was reasonably certain it was alcohol (could see a label, etc) I’d call.
\*Each time I bring one into the office, someone always makes the same joke about “I thought you had a beer!” and I make the same response of “My plan is to get you guys used to seeing me holding these bottles…”
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### Author:  [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/31 "2012-10-09T22:17:43Z")
> [@Jaledin](#):
>
> How about trying to get the guy to have a wreck? A deserted country road at night, you know it Ike the back of your hand. Just force him off the road. He might kill a horse or some crap, but maybe she can get croaked too. Win-win.
Running someone off the road is a crime. Even a drunk driver. Killing someone is a crime, even a drunk driver. Forcing someone off the road so they kill a horse “or some crap” also makes you liable for civil penalties.
> [@Blackberry](#):
>
> I wouldn’t do anything and you people are the most meddling MFers I’ve ever known.
Trying to stop manslaughter = meddling?
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### Author:  [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2012, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/32 "2012-10-09T22:46:17Z")
> [@Irishman](#):
>
> Trying to stop manslaughter = meddling?
I see these meddling attitudes ALL THE TIME here, about anything and everything.
I was thinking it was beer though but I just googled it and saw that it’s hard liquor. So if the guy was really downing it like that, then maybe. But he asks about open container laws and that’s just meddling. If he’s actually drunk then that’s all that matters legally and logically.
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### Author:  [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2012, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/33 "2012-10-10T03:50:38Z")
I’d call 911. In Chicago at least, you could sit on hold on the police non-emergency number for 15-20 minutes before you get through, by which point the guy you’re reporting would be long gone.
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### Author:  [@highrollinwooded](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/highrollinwooded)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2012, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/34 "2012-10-10T13:19:17Z")
If his driving appeared to be fine, I would let it go. I have been known on occassion to get out of work, stop and get beer, and have ONE beer on my 15 minute drive home. It is the most relaxing way to unwind after a shitty day, and IMHO, no harm done.
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### Author:  [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/35 "2012-10-10T14:08:41Z")
I have a real simple view on how I deal with the behavior of others:
If you don’t do something that is _obviously moronic_, I will not bother you.
Obviously moronic can include: inebriation to the point that your driving is clearly affected, so dimwitted as to be drinking liquor without attempting to hide it, or other actions which draw _unnecessary attention to oneself._
If you manage to throw back a six pack and _I can’t see a difference in your driving, I don’t care._ Wanna swig Beam on the road so you put some in a iced tea bottle and _I can’t see a difference in your driving, I don’t care._
Personally I wish there were fewer laws regarding things such as cell phone use, etc. The overarching law of reckless driving should cover most idiocy. I don’t like the idea I can’t use a cell phone because some other moron couldn’t drive safely and ruined it for the rest of us.
But until I manage to elect people who think the way I do and get the laws changed, these are the laws and I am honor bound to obey them.
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### Author:  [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2012, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/36 "2012-10-10T14:34:52Z")
> [@2gigch1](#):
>
> If you manage to throw back a six pack and _I can’t see a difference in your driving, I don’t care._ Wanna swig Beam on the road so you put some in a iced tea bottle and _I can’t see a difference in your driving, I don’t care._
I will make the call, because throwing back a six pack screws up your driving and makes you a danger. Whether you can drive the car in a straight line is immaterial. Your reaction times are slowed and your judgement is impaired.
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### Author:  [@Heart\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heart_of_Dorkness)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2012, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/37 "2012-10-10T16:15:32Z")
> [@highrollinwooded](#):
>
> If his driving appeared to be fine, I would let it go. I have been known on occassion to get out of work, stop and get beer, and have ONE beer on my 15 minute drive home. It is the most relaxing way to unwind after a shitty day, and IMHO, no harm done.
But here’s the problem: his driving might be fine _now_, but after he’s had a few good swigs from the bottle - and mind you, this is whiskey, so a shot is roughly equal to a beer - and the alcohol has had time to enter his bloodstream, it will likely be a very different story. Yeah, he might be home by then, like you, or he might be swerving down the freeway. You might say, if that’s the case, then wait until his driving actually is unsafe and _then_ call the cops (or trust that someone else will). But why run the risk that someone gets hurt? In my opinion, you should prevent the danger before it happens.
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### Author:  [@Trom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trom)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2012, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/38 "2012-10-10T16:28:04Z")
I once was walking down the sidewalk at night and saw a guy passed out in an intersection with his left turn signal on. He had lost consciousness waiting for a green light. I called 311 and told them the location and description of the car. In the 2-3 minutes it took me to make the call, the taxi driver behind him had gotten out and knocked on the guy’s window. He woke up and drove off. He might have drunk, but he also could have just worked a 36 hour shift and fallen asleep. Rather than go straight to 911, I chose to let the 311 operator decide the correct course of action.
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### Author:  [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2012, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/39 "2012-10-10T16:42:56Z")
> [@Heart\_of\_Dorkness](#):
>
> But here’s the problem: his driving might be fine _now_, but after he’s had a few good swigs from the bottle - and mind you, this is whiskey, so a shot is roughly equal to a beer - and the alcohol has had time to enter his bloodstream, it will likely be a very different story. Yeah, he might be home by then, like you, or he might be swerving down the freeway. You might say, if that’s the case, then wait until his driving actually is unsafe and _then_ call the cops (or trust that someone else will). But why run the risk that someone gets hurt? In my opinion, you should prevent the danger before it happens.
Word. That’s why I like to go to people’s houses and knock the glass out of their hands. I have no way to be 100% sure they weren’t going to have a couple more shots of scotch and go swerving all over the road and kill somebody. It’s the only way to be sure.
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### Author:  [@Heart\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heart_of_Dorkness)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2012, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-see-somebody-gulping-liquor-behind-the-wheel-what-do-you-do/636873/40 "2012-10-10T17:42:50Z")
> [@Nzinga\_Seated](#):
>
> Word. That’s why I like to go to people’s houses and knock the glass out of their hands. I have no way to be 100% sure they weren’t going to have a couple more shots of scotch and go swerving all over the road and kill somebody. It’s the only way to be sure.
Yes, that’s what I’m saying! That’s why I also endorse killing babies I suspect will become alcoholics someday - if they’re a little _too_ interested in their bottle, it’s curtains, kiddo.
Seriously, though, this isn’t some Minority Report scenario. If you see someone “taking big swigs” (i.e. downing shots) of whiskey behind the wheel, then if they’re still driving in a couple of minutes, they \*will \*be DUI. Which is illegal, in and of itself, no matter how they’re driving, because there’s a high likelihood that someone will get hurt. If the guy starts swerving all over the road, then yes, there’s an even _higher_ likelihood, but simply being drunk behind the wheel is already plenty dangerous.
And before we get into whether we can be sure he’ll actually be “drunk”, and exactly how big is a “swig”, and how many swigs did he take, and how many shots can a guy of average weight can drink and maintain a safe blood alcohol level, and maybe he’s good at driving drunk, and blah, blah, blah… forget it. That’s not for me to decide. I will feel like shit if I hear on the news later that someone got killed by this guy, because I saw him and thought, “Eh, I’m not his mom; he can probably handle his liquor.” The bottom line is he _looks_ for all the world like he’s doing something incredibly dangerous, and if he’s dumb enough to drink straight from the bottle in full view of everyone, then I don’t have a whole lot of confidence that he’ll have the good judgment to stop after just a swig or two. If he’s actually fine, the cops will tell him so.
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