WWYD Drinking while driving.

[MickeySP]

My DH and another guy have been car pooling to a job site together. Well actually my DH would drive he would throw in for gas. This guy just got a new truck this week so now they switch off everyday. Tonight while the guy was driving he cracked open a beer. My DH was like what are you doing? You can't do that. The guy downed the drink and was like it's fine.
It's really hard to find what would happen to the passenger in this scenario if they were pulled over.
My DH is telling him tomorrow if he can't waite an hour to get home to have a drink they will no longer be driving together.
So WWYD?

1st the rule.

I would do just as your DH did. If you open any alcohol, carpool done. If they were stopped your DH would also be run by the police. The driver with open container & smell of alcohol would be doing a field sobriety test, if he failed they may let your DH drive the vehicle. Conceivably they could tow the vehicle & your DH would need to find a way home.

 

[luvsJack]

Would one beer put him over the legal limit? What are the open container laws in your area?

If it makes your husband uncomfortable, he should say so and be prepared to start doing all the driving. Not sure I would bring the lrgal aspects into the conversation unless I knew it is, in fact, illegal. Nor would I assume he has a drinking problem over one beer.

Personally, I don't condone any drinking and driving, period. There is so much that can make even one beer have more affect than intended. Like being overly tired or medication. So that is exactly what I would say and leave all the rest out of it.

 

[3Gsandme]

IN reality, one beer doesn't make anyone a danger behind the wheel. I don't even think one beer would affect even the lightest lightweight. However, the need to immediately drink begs a larger problem, IMO. If he can't wait to drink until he's home where else is he drinking? I'd keep the response simple "You know, Bob, if you're going to drink literally while you're driving, I can't drive with you. I'm not comfortable with that behavior. I'm happy to drive the carpool and happy to drive with you if you don't drink in the car while you're driving."

 

[Lilliputian]

I wouldn't ride in a car with him. Even if he isn't an alcoholic and is willing to drive without drinking, driving is a big responsibility and he seems to lack discernment.

 

[fly girl]

Why would this guy think it was acceptable to crack open a beer while driving home? Oh my, bigger issues here.

I'd stop carpooling with him, imo he's proven that I can't trust his judgement and my life is on the line in his vehicle.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

So WWYD?

Guy: "It's fine."
Me: "No it isn't you crazy [expletive deleted]. Let me out of this [expletive deleted] car right now you stupid [expletive deleted]. You drive your own damn self from now on."

Or, better yet:
Me: Picks up phone, dials 911. "Hello? Yes, I am currently driving in a car with [name here]. He just downed a beer while driving. We are in a [car make, model, color] with plate number [license plate]."

 

[BrianL]

There are actually some states where it is legal for a passenger to have an open container. There are some countries where the driver can have an open container. I'd check the local law where you live and the areas they drive through. But if it were me, no way would I be in the car with that person.

It's like that here. A passenger can actually have an open container as long as it remains in the purview of the passenger and not the driver (i.e. if the cup holder is in the center, and you set it there, it could be construed that it is the driver's drink, not the passengers). Now, personally I find that crazy, and don't think it should be allowed. An friend's brother can hardly go anywhere without a beer. He does not do it when he is driving, but still, I mean, can't it wait?

 

[teller80]

IN reality, one beer doesn't make anyone a danger behind the wheel.

Would you give that advice to teenagers?

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Car pooling would be done...there would be no second chances with me. Even if you can't find someone else to car pool with, the extra cost for gas is a lot cheaper than dealing with any legal issues that may be caused if pulled over, let alone any medical bills or funeral costs due to an accident.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

IN reality, one beer doesn't make anyone a danger behind the wheel. I don't even think one beer would affect even the lightest lightweight. However, the need to immediately drink begs a larger problem, IMO. If he can't wait to drink until he's home where else is he drinking? I'd keep the response simple "You know, Bob, if you're going to drink literally while you're driving, I can't drive with you. I'm not comfortable with that behavior. I'm happy to drive the carpool and happy to drive with you if you don't drink in the car while you're driving."

3Gsandme I'm afraid for your kids. How do you know this man or anyone drinking 'just one beer' isn't on prescription drugs where drinking even 'just one beer' could cause dire consequences. I have no tolerance for drinking and driving. Guess we are all different but to have the idea that just one beer won't hurt is stupid. You might feel fine driving with that person, but what about all the others on the road when that person is driving. And how do you know he didn't chug one when you were around.

I was hit by a drunk driver right after I had my first child. Thankfully it was just a minor fender bender. I was leaving a parking lot, she was pulling in and hit me. She had been at the pool all day and was drinking. She wanted to leave right away and I kept yelling until someone stopped her. We were about 2 blocks from both our houses and thing is I was turning around as it started pouring down rain (I was going to watch my husband play baseball). The parking lot I was turning around in was a LIQUOR STORE. The girl told the police to do a breath test on me, I said go ahead I'm nursing a 2 week old. He didn't and knew she was out of it. I am just thankful nobody was hurt and my son was not in the car. This was about 430 in the afternoon too.

JMHO I would get out ASAP, but we are all of different views here.

On the laws my friend's son was under 21 and a passenger in the backseat of a car. The 21 year old driver had stopped at the liquor store and purchased alcohol and put it in the trunk. The police had watched and pulled them over. The underage passenger in front and my friends son got in trouble (I mean reported to the college type trouble) for being in the car with alcohol, even though it was in the locked trunk. The driver got in trouble for having alcohol and minors.

 

[sam_gordon]

3Gsandme I'm afraid for your kids. How do you know this man or anyone drinking 'just one beer' isn't on prescription drugs where drinking even 'just one beer' could cause dire consequences. I have no tolerance for drinking and driving. Guess we are all different but to have the idea that just one beer won't hurt is stupid. You might feel fine driving with that person, but what about all the others on the road when that person is driving. And how do you know he didn't chug one when you were around.

I was hit by a drunk driver right after I had my first child. Thankfully it was just a minor fender bender. I was leaving a parking lot, she was pulling in and hit me. She had been at the pool all day and was drinking. She wanted to leave right away and I kept yelling until someone stopped her. We were about 2 blocks from both our houses and thing is I was turning around as it started pouring down rain (I was going to watch my husband play baseball). The parking lot I was turning around in was a LIQUOR STORE. The girl told the police to do a breath test on me, I said go ahead I'm nursing a 2 week old. He didn't and knew she was out of it. I am just thankful nobody was hurt and my son was not in the car. This was about 430 in the afternoon too.

JMHO I would get out ASAP, but we are all of different views and mentality here.

How do you know the person you're carpooling with didn't have a "3 martini lunch"?
How do you know the person you're carpooling with isn't taking medication that says "don't drive"?

Sorry, I'm going to go against the grain and not going to worry about a single drink. I will occasionally have a cocktail (ONE) at dinner with the family and drive home. If the drinks become a habit (2-3/5 days in a week), then I'll say something.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

3Gsandme I'm afraid for your kids. How do you know this man or anyone drinking 'just one beer' isn't on prescription drugs where drinking even 'just one beer' could cause dire consequences. I have no tolerance for drinking and driving. Guess we are all different but to have the idea that just one beer won't hurt is stupid. You might feel fine driving with that person, but what about all the others on the road when that person is driving. And how do you know he didn't chug one when you were around.

On the laws my friend's son was under 21 and a passenger in the backseat of a car. The 21 year old driver had stopped at the liquor store and purchased alcohol and put it in the trunk. The police had watched and pulled them over. The underage passenger in front and my friends son got in trouble (I mean reported to the college type trouble) for being in the car with alcohol, even though it was in the locked trunk. The driver got in trouble for having alcohol and minors.

I think it is true that just one beer does not cause a driver to be impaired. Yes, there is the possibility of interactions with other drugs, but assuming that's not happening, I don't have a problem with someone having one beer and then driving. And neither does the law.

The situation you mentioned in the last paragraph makes no sense to me. If I go to the grocery store with my grandchildren and buy some wine as well as groceries and load everything in the trunk, am I going to be in trouble? Do parents have to get babysitters in order to drive home from the liquor store? There must have been something more to that situation.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I wouldn't worry about a single drink at dinner (assuming I knew the person and their tolerance for alcohol well) but a single drink while driving is a no-go IMO. Someone who would totally disregard the rules for open container, would most likely be the type to disregard all the other rules and would have a 3 martini lunch or drive while on narcotics. While there are a small amount of places that don't have open container laws, my state is not one of them and you will listen to them or we will not being driving together.

 

[NHdisneylover]

IN reality, one beer doesn't make anyone a danger behind the wheel. I don't even think one beer would affect even the lightest lightweight. However, the need to immediately drink begs a larger problem, IMO. If he can't wait to drink until he's home where else is he drinking? I'd keep the response simple "You know, Bob, if you're going to drink literally while you're driving, I can't drive with you. I'm not comfortable with that behavior. I'm happy to drive the carpool and happy to drive with you if you don't drink in the car while you're driving."

I don't like beer and have never had a whole one, but one small glass of wine is enough that I can FEEL the effects, which means I should no be driving--so I would guess that, yes, one beer, would also be too much. Your statement is very board and not accurate, IMO.

As far as the OP---one beer may or may not be enough to be too much for that driver (right after work, so likely on an empty stomach), and open containers (by the driver) may or may not be legal where you are (I was not aware of anywhere in the US that drivers could have them, but reading here some say it is legal somewhere)--BUT the clear lack of consideration for the passengers, and likelihood that someone who would do that, the first time he drove nonetheless, would drink more is too high.

I would go with telling him that I am just not comfortable riding in a car with someone who will drink while driving but he is welcome to keep riding with me if e wants to--and drive myself from now on.

 

[Kalliope]

On the laws my friend's son was under 21 and a passenger in the backseat of a car. The 21 year old driver had stopped at the liquor store and purchased alcohol and put it in the trunk. The police had watched and pulled them over. The underage passenger in front and my friends son got in trouble (I mean reported to the college type trouble) for being in the car with alcohol, even though it was in the locked trunk. The driver got in trouble for having alcohol and minors.

If the above was true, every parent that has ever bought alcohol at the store and driven home with their kids would be in trouble for having alcohol around minors. There has to be more to the story.

 

[TAX GUY]

I'm surprised no one opted for the citizens arrest.

For me (because the OP asked WWYD), I wouldn't be bothered by one beer. I probably wouldn't be keen with him doing it WHILE driving. I'd let him know I didn't care for it and that I know its his car and he can do as he wishes. If it was a continued problem, I'd find another way to work.

 

[Squirlz]

He didn't offer your DH one? He'd be no friend of mine.

 

[POOHsie]

"Just one" isn't the issue for me. The issue is boundaries. Your work and commute are the sober, responsible parts of your life, where you pay strict attention, focus, and do your absolute best to follow established rules and be upstanding. Then there's the casual side of your life, where you relax and maybe have a drink or two. And that's OK within the confines of friends and loved ones, and a designated driver when needed. But when drinking is done during the supposedly sober hours, that paints a picture (to me) of a person who is reckless, selfish and willful. And it's not OK, because that recklessness could harm innocent lives, me and my loved ones included.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

If the above was true, every parent that has ever bought alcohol at the store and driven home with their kids would be in trouble for having alcohol around minors. There has to be more to the story.

It is true here is the Indiana code. Since the person driving was not the parent of the minor then there was an issue. Yes, Indiana is a conservative state. No alcohol buying on Sunday. They have tried to get that law changed for years, but it has issues passing. It was my cousin's son and she told me the story, the contacted an attorney as the son was in the military reserve (which he is not anymore) so I knew there was a law. I searched and found this. IDK this was true either until she told me. I made sure my sons knew this as they are both in college but underage.

IC 7.1-5-7-7 Illegal possession • It’s illegal for a minor to possess or consume alcohol. This includes transporting alcohol in a car on a public road without the driver’s parent in the car, regardless of whether the alcohol belongs to someone else in the car or is unopened.

 

[TAX GUY]

It is true here is the Indiana code. Since the person driving was not the parent of the minor then there was an issue. Yes, Indiana is a conservative state. No alcohol buying on Sunday. They have tried to get that law changed for years, but it has issues passing. It was my cousin's son and she told me the story, the contacted an attorney as the son was in the military reserve (which he is not anymore) so I knew there was a law. I searched and found this. IDK this was true either until she told me. I made sure my sons knew this as they are both in college but underage.

IC 7.1-5-7-7 Illegal possession • It’s illegal for a minor to possess or consume alcohol. This includes transporting alcohol in a car on a public road without the driver’s parent in the car, regardless of whether the alcohol belongs to someone else in the car or is unopened.

You're talking about a minor in possession (being the driver). The cases stated prior are the parents driving with their minor children in the car as passengers. Pretty sure in ANY state a minor in possession will get in trouble.