drinking and driving Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving®

TURNING CAMERA LIGHTS AROUND TO CATCH TEXTERS

Daun Thompson — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 18:00:23 +0000

A 12 year study done in Houston proved that camera lights in intersections actually changed the composition of accidents, they did not reduce them. So, like many other states, Texas deactivated their camera lights last year. But I have noticed that they did not remove all of them. Perhaps they can be put to good use by turning camera lights around to catch texters. And, if so, will the fine for a texting while driving citation be a civil offense, as were those camera light tickets?

NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING STATE LAW

Although Texas does not have a hands-free state law regarding cell phone use as do most other states, they do have a no texting while driving state law. And there are many hands-free city ordinances within the lone star state. Not every city, although, and certainly not in my city of Dallas with a population of over 1.35 million! And, since I teach defensive driving, one would think that I would see those texting moving violations in my classes. But I only see those for texting in a school zone when the light is activated. So, apparently, they’re not actually enforcing our state law. I hear that they are enforcing the city ordinances, although, and they come with high fines.

OTHER USES FOR THOSE CAMERAS

There are many other uses for those cameras and ways to re-purpose them. They can be used to compile data in intersections where there are more accidents. And they can be used to monitor crime by having more cameras present for better angles. I read that Australia, after a successful trial, has added mobile detection cameras that use artificial intelligence to determine if a driver has something in their hand. This footage is reviewed (as were our camera light ones) by a human who determines if a fine should be issued. These photos may also expose other things, such as the presence of guns, drugs, etc.

In closing, there is no doubt that in my state drinking and driving has affected everyone at some level. Everyone knows someone who has had a family member who has been killed by a drunk driver. But, if we don’t get a grip on it, this will be true with a texting driver.

Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

TURNING CAMERA LIGHTS AROUND TO CATCH TEXTERS – Comedy Defensive Driving

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GETTING A SOBER RIDE HOME

Daun Thompson — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 13:00:18 +0000

With the holidays right around the corner, hopefully you have plenty of parties and family gatherings to attend. Taking a ride share is your best bet, as you know. But what if you leave an office party and you happen to have your car with you? Or perhaps you thought it would be a great idea to be the designated driver, but the party was so good, that you slipped and had a few drinks, yourself? And, of course, so did everyone else who is riding with you. Now who’s getting a sober ride home?

RIDE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU

What you may not know is there are organizations available for a fee that will actually send two drivers to your requested pickup location. One driver drives you to your requested drop off location and the second driver follows you. This way, you don’t have to leave your car behind where it could be towed, stolen or vandalized. Nothing’s worse than lying in bed, spinning drunk and worrying about your car.

WHERE CAN I GET A SOBER RIDE

I recall years ago, the only organization that offered this service was Wingman Service. Now, there are many to choose from. Here’s a list (just to name a few) so you can make your own choice.
• SOFER’D is a team of drivers that drive their members and vehicles home safely. Members always get home safely and avoid leaving their vehicle unprotected. Again, this is a membership. You can become a member by downloading their app or go to SOFERD.com to become a member.
• Soberrides.org helps you make a plan with a list of resources and optional modes of transportation to get a sober ride home.
• AAA clubs around the country are offering free rides to folks who’ve celebrated too much to safely get behind the wheel. They’ll also tow your car home free of charge! Amazingly, this service is available even if you’re not an AAA member.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that the average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before their first arrest. Don’t be that guy! If you think your drinks were expensive, just wait til you get a d.w.i. Just like the clerk says to me all the time at Neiman Marcus “You can’t afford it!”

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

GETTING A SOBER RIDE HOME – Comedy Defensive Driving

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HOW TEXAS LAWS HAVE CHANGED

Daun Thompson — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 12:00:49 +0000

A new law has passed in Texas that you must be 21 years of age to purchase or possess tobacco products (unless you are military). And if caught, that will get you a “minor in possession” (as it would if you were caught with drugs or alcohol, because nicotine is a drug). This follows New York, Florida and California which for those states it’s been the law for several years. Well, I’m not saying this is wrong by a long shot. Nearly 80% of Americans smoked in the 50’s-60’s, and now it’s less than 17%. But what I would like to point out is how Texas laws have changed since I was a kid. Back then, you could smoke out the window of the high school, in front of the teachers. Teachers had their own smoking lounge where they kept booze and Xeroxed their butts (that’s another thing you can’t do now) . You could even smoke on a plane! Now they’d land the plane and cart you off to jail if you are caught smoking.

What Else Has Changed

Another new law passed in Texas that you must be 18 years of age to purchase cough syrup. Cough syrup? Don’t even get me started! Heck, we had trash can punch at our prom in the high school gym with everclear grain alcohol in it. The drinking age was 18 in Texas in the late 70’s. Then it went up to 19 and “hovered” there for awhile. It eventually went back up to 21. At some point, I believe the drinking age was 4 (maybe that was in other countries). I remember taking my sister out drinking on Greenville Avenue when she was 12. We didn’t want to stay home and “babysit” so we put makeup on her like a baby hooker and took her with us. She ordered a “mom” drink and blew her cover. Ugh!

Are Alcohol Laws Moving Backwards?

In the 70’s, everyone in the car could have an open container, even the driver. I thought you’d get a ticket if you “didn’t” drink and drive in Texas. So, this new law is sure to get some ribbing. Beer to go and booze delivery is the new thing. You can purchase no more than a 12 pack of beer at a brewery, and get it to go. You can also order booze from a food delivery service and have them bring the booze right to your house (or jail cell). But they probably won’t bring you cigarettes.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

HOW TEXAS LAWS HAVE CHANGED – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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Drinking and Driving

Daun Thompson — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 17:09:01 +0000

Today is Independence Day and I’m 1776% sure that most people are celebrating with alcohol. While we in the U.S. are commemorating our liberation from Great Britain, I’m curious how the British spend this day (sulking?). Celebrating our independence is our God-given right. Drinking and driving is not and may result in someone losing their rights as well as their independence. In fact, July 4th is the deadliest day of the year on our roads. While most people at least have a sip of champagne on New Years Eve, drinking usually begins closer to midnight. Holidays like today, people will likely be drinking all day and then driving to and from the celebration. Perhaps it’s not practical to assume that everyone will limit their drinking today, so here is a practical option to drinking and driving.

Four score and seven beers ago…The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created a list of sober/safe ride programs across the country. Use the link below to locate one in your area and save the number in your cell phone so you always have it on you. Share the number via text message with friends and family too. It may save their lives and may also save you a trip to bail someone out of jail.

You can find a ride at this link:
soberrides.org

Uber and Lyft, cabs, and other such “wingman” services are likely available in your area as well. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) have partnered with Uber, saying that taking an Uber is saving lives. The app is easy to manipulate when you’re impaired. When you download the app, it requires that you add your credit card information, so you also don’t have to exchange money when you’re impaired. Plus, with GPS, the driver knows where you are and you simply push a button and they’re on their way. A picture of the driver will pop up with the description of the vehicle and the license plate number (so you don’t get into the wrong car). An additional bonus is, when the picture of the driver pops up, if they’re not really your “type,” you can cancel it and order another one until you get a cuter driver (Ha! I’m just kidding…I don’t really do that…or do I??). It’s like an e-harmony/uber combo.

So, please have a safe and happy Independence Day. As far as my friends and family are concerned, it’s time to get star spangled hammered.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Drinking and Driving – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Ride sharing

Daun Thompson — Tue, 10 May 2016 15:48:25 +0000

Ride sharing is a brilliant idea! Not only does it encourage people to not drink and drive, it also is great for the environment and fuel conservation. I am curious as to how much money an Uber or Lyft driver actually makes. And if it is a lucrative business move to become an independent driver. Of course, being a single mom, I have more part-time jobs now than I can handle just to make ends meet. Yes, jobs are scarce, because I have all of the jobs. If I gave up a few of them, it would likely help to balance the economy. So, the last thing I need is another job. But what are the requirements to become an independent driver? I know that cab drivers require special certifications and licensing. They must attend defensive driving classes, additional training and background checks. I’ve only taken Uber once, and the fare was surprisingly low. But then, it was not during peak traffic conditions.

The latest news buzz is all about Uber and Lyft suspending their ride sharing business in Austin, Texas because they want to regulate their own drivers. While the new city ordinance requires companies like Uber and Lyft to be regulated like taxis. That means, among other things, drivers would have to be fingerprinted as part of a background check. According to a report by NPR, last year, Uber and Lyft withdrew from San Antonio over a similar requirement that drivers be fingerprinted. The companies returned months later under a program that made fingerprinting voluntary. Meanwhile, Houston also has rules requiring drivers for ride-hailing apps to be fingerprinted. Uber has previously threatened to withdraw from Houston over that ordinance. According to Culturemap Houston, the city’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, responded, “If it comes down to public safety on one hand and Uber staying on the other, I don’t think it is even close.” Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles are considering similar regulations on ride-hailing apps, according to The Associated Press.

So, although independent drivers may not be as stringently regulated as cab drivers, it still worries me that they may not be available in such a large “party city” like Austin. With 6th street all abuzz, South By Southwest (SXSW), Austin City Limits (ACL) and many other annual festivals where people come from all over the world to attend, and drinking is a part of that experience, for most, it is disturbing that more people will be likely to drink and drive. Although cabs will still be available, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) claims that Uber, for one, is saving lives because it is an easy app to manipulate when impaired. The app retains your credit card information, so no money is exchanged with the driver, and the tip is already rolled into the fare. It retains your home address and GPS will let the driver know where you are when requesting a ride. Accidents and DWI related fatalities will likely be at staggering (no pun intended) all time highs (again, no pun intended).

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Ridesharing – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Arrive Alive

Daun Thompson — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:18:36 +0000

With the staggering numbers of DWI’s and loss of lives due to DWI’s in the U.S., it’s nice to know that there’s help out there. If you plan to drink away from home, just don’t drive. The plan is to avoid drunk driving and arrive alive. If you cannot plan a ride home with a friend, cabs are always a good option. $25 or $50, as opposed to $26,000. in attorney fees alone, is not a bad deal. Not having killed anyone or killed yourself is not a bad deal as well. If you do a web search for them, you will find a plethora of services out there that will send out two drivers in one car to pick you up. One drives you home, while the other drives your car home. So, when you wake up in the morning, you’re in your nice, warm bed instead of a jail cell. And your car is in your driveway or parking lot, rather than the city impound (another expense you would acquire). It’s a beautiful thing. Whoever thought of that was genius.
A DWI is financially and emotionally devastating. It is a financial set-back for most. And, it will remain on your permanent record. Causing you to possibly lose your job and impossible to find another. Besides the attorney fees, DWI penalties also include hefty fines, jail time with real criminals, AA meetings with real alcoholics (and you’ll notice everyone brings their own “Starbucks” cup to those meetings…you KNOW there’s something in that cup besides coffee). You will likely have to do community service, and you will also receive a hefty surcharge for three years. So, just when you thought it was over, they keep reminding you of that stupid mistake you made by sending you a bill in the mail every month. And now your mailman and everyone knows your personal business. Your Mailman: “I’ll be your AA Sponsor.” You: How the heck did you know??”
So, think about the financial, legal, emotional and social ramifications of a DWI, before you leave the house, and plan ahead to arrange a ride so you can arrive alive.

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Arrive Alive – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Underage Drinking

Daun Thompson — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:27:49 +0000

When I moved to Texas in 1979, everyone in the car could have an open container…even the driver. I thought you’d get a citation if you didn’t drink and drive. We’ve totally evolved since those glory days (or, as some of my friends call them, the R.I.P. days). Eventually, the law changed and only passengers could have an open container (or a road sodie, as they were called). This way, the driver could merely hand their beverage over to a passenger before the officer approached the car…brilliant. I’m sure the laws in the state that I moved here from were no better. In fact, most bars never closed. Which also means they didn’t clean up. You needed a tetanus shot before you’d go into one of those places. And, as far as underage drinking went, the legal age to drink went from 21 down to 18. Then it went up to 19 for awhile and kind of hovered there. Then it eventually went back up to 21. Somewhere in between, I recall the drinking age being around 8 (maybe that was south of the border). People from European countries say they don’t have an underage drinking problem because they don’t “glamorize” drinking like we do here in the states. And their laws are strict and swift. So, would lowering the drinking age make it less attractive to teens? MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) says not. When states had lower legal drinking ages in America, the underage drinking problem was worse. Underage drunk drivers were involved in over twice as many fatal accidents.
A few months ago, there was a rumor going around on the interweb (that’s what my dad calls it) that the drinking age was going to be raised to 25. It was apparently just a myth. Kind of like celebrity deaths on the internet. That has to be super creepy to the celebrities themselves. 25 years of age is apparently when the frontal lobe completely develops. Better, more rational, adult decision making comes into play after 25 (hopefully). But not everyone matures at the same pace as others.
According to MADD, more than 25,000 lives have been saved in the U.S. because of the 21 minimum legal drinking age. They claim that the law continues to prevent tragedies and therefore decreases crashes by an estimated 16% and keeps young people safer from many other risks as well (such as alcohol poisoning, and aspiration).
Even after 21, it is encouraged to take a cab or Uber if you have consumed any alcohol. In fact, MADD has teamed up with Uber to encourage this. Uber’s revolutionary app connects users with safe, reliable rides at the touch of a button. Those are rides you can count on, whenever and wherever, so that people never have to get behind the wheel drunk.
After all, the easier it is to get a safe ride, the less likely adults are to drive after drinking.
Until next week….
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Underage Drinking – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Drunk Drivers

Daun Thompson — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:33:00 +0000

Whether you’re Irish or just Irish for the day, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! You may have noticed more police patrolling our streets since last weekend. Police have been initiating special law enforcement efforts during Saint Patrick’s Day week to keep drunk drivers off the road. This special intensive effort will run through tonight, March 17. But, be extra alert tomorrow morning on your commute for drunk drivers still on the road. Most states have been enforcing zero tolerance during this festive week. You don’t want your “luck of the Irish” to run out. And a DWI or vehicular manslaughter conviction could result in some lengthy jail time. Where you could find yourself as your cell mate’s Mary O’Reilly. Why do you think they call them cell mates?

This effective nationwide drunk driving crackdown includes high-visibility enforcement, high-profile events, and has been supported by national paid advertising, creating a comprehensive campaign to curb drunk driving over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign reduces drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.

Here are a few tips to help keep you and others safe from harm and free of getting strapped with a permanent DWI conviction on your driving record.

Arrange a ride to and from your planned destination. A designated driver would be ideal.
Try to discourage friends from driving impaired. Offer them a lift if needed.

So, be safe this evening. And have a terrific Saint Patrick’s Day!

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Drunk Drivers – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Consequences of Drinking and Driving

Daun Thompson — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 15:36:25 +0000

The rumor spread across the internet (or the innerweb, as my dad calls it) was apparently a hoax. Yes, it is only an urban legend that the drinking age, nationwide, in America is going to be raised to 25. Some say it’s not a bad idea and that, at the age of 21, a person is still not mature enough to handle the responsibility and consequences of drinking and driving. Minimum drinking ages in the U.S. are established on a state-by-state basis, not mandated across the nation by federal law, though if your state doesn’t have a minimum age limit of 21 the federal government will not allocate highway funds to that state… subsequently every state now has a minimum drinking age of 21.

It would be interesting, though, to see how it would play out. When I moved to Texas in 1979, the drinking age had been changed from 21 to 18. Eventually, it went up to 19 and stayed at that age for a short time and then went back up to 21. Somewhere in between, I’m sure the age was 8. Or, maybe that was in Mexico. I hear the drinking age there has gone up to 12. Just kidding, I know it’s 18. Also back in ’79, everyone in the car could have an open container, even the driver. I thought you’d get a ticket if you didn’t drink and drive. We’ve certainly evolved over the last 30 something years. So, when hearing this rumor, my first thought was that it’s all in the evolution process.

The consequences of underage drinking and driving will result in a DUI. This includes harsh fines, drivers license suspension and possibly adding an expensive car breathalyzer device. The driver will most likely have to attend drug/alcohol and driver’s education classes as well as to complete a month or more of community service. Another penalty is possible probation for up to four years.

Oh, and a surcharge for three years. That comes in the form of a bill which you will receive in the mail. So now everyone knows about your big mistake. Even your mailman, so don’t be surprised if he offers to be your AA sponsor.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Consequences of Drinking and Driving – Comedy Defensive Driving

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The Proper Way To Tailgate

Daun Thompson — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:51:44 +0000

The Proper Way To Tailgate

Tailgate parties are upon us, which means football season is here and that means there is only one proper way to tailgate. Nothing against football, and don’t be mad at me, but I’m just not that into football. I grew up in a house full of women. My dad spent most of his time at work (a.k.a. the pub) where he could hang out with other guys and watch sports. He was hardly ever home. While all of the other moms in our neighborhood would be threatening their kids “You just wait until your father gets home.” My mom would be threatening us “IF your father EVER comes home…whatever!” They were mostly empty threats, because when he did come home, “toasted” he’d give us money. Well, he didn’t really give us the money…he’d pass out and we’d take it out of his wallet. I called it my college fund. And, my dad was so proud of me when I graduated from college, he framed my diploma and hung it above the mantel. My sister dropped out of school, so, just to be fair, he framed her DWI Defensive Driving Certificate and hung it next to my diploma (crooked, because he drinks).

Although I am not an experience tailgater, I have done a little research on the proper way to tailgate. The Iowa State Food Safety website says you should always be careful what foods you pack and that you store them at the proper temperature to ensure they do not get contaminated or develop bacteria. Here are a few tips from their website:

Follow these simple steps to ensure food safety:

Buy reasonable quantities
If food won’t be served soon, store it in a cooler immediately
When you get home, properly wrap and freeze deli meats that won’t be eaten within two to four days
REMEMBER most food poisoning bacteria can NOT be seen, smelled, or tasted
Bacteria multiply fastest between temperatures of 40 and 140; it’s what we call the Danger Zone
If in doubt, throw it out! Keep hot foods HOT (above 140° F) and cold foods COLD (40° F or below)

The 21st Century Insurance company website offers these safety tips as well on the proper way to tailgate:

If you’re grilling, make sure to bring a fire extinguisher
After your tailgate is finished, throw away all food that may spoil. Leftovers may be tempting after the game, but they may also be dangerous
If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure to cool the coals properly before putting them in a garbage container or back in your car (unless you want to use them as a discipline tool)
Make sure you can see properly and that there are no items in your way, such as bottles or cans before starting to drive
Secure your grill and other items in the back so nothing can fall out
If any guest have been drinking alcohol, make sure they don’t get behind the wheel

And, most of all, have fun. You won’t have another 3 day weekend until Columbus Day.

Until next week…Happy Labor Day!

Daun T
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

The Proper Way To Tailgate – Comedy Defensive Driving

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