Do you report drunk drivers?

[Creeping Death]

Or do you ignore them and let things happen?

I did today, I'd feel guilty if I didn't. I really hate talking to the police and avoid doing it whenever possible. I also don't want to be the guy who's calling the cops, especially when the issue can be resolved without them. This dude had a beer in hand and could barely even stand, then got in his car and turned on a busy street in broad daylight.

I feel like a dick for calling the cops on someone, but he put other motorists in imminent danger.

 

[kora]

He also put himself in danger. I would say it's absolutely ethical from every standpoint.

Imagine having to live with killing someone.

I know a couple who lost their 19 year old daughter to a drunk driver in broad daylight. The mother wanted him to go to prison, the father did not. I think he didn't in the end, because he had a family himself or something.

I think you should very much not feel bad.

 

[redbaron]

that's a pretty clear case where i'd feel more guilty about not reporting them than reporting them

 

[Ex-User (13503)]

I've done it before. Some (old?) lady in front of me was weaving all over both lanes at like 8am. Don't know if she was drunk/high or incompetent due to age or what, but she made a dozen people shit their pants in the opposing lane.

Spoiler: The police never showed.

 

[aiyanah]

why bother the police aren't gonna do shit here.
maybe if they're looking for a bribe? they'll stop you if you're sober anyway if that's the case.

 

[kora]

That's very cynical with no guarantee. They might do something, I'm no fan of the police in general but they probably do actually do some good stuff sometimes, better to attempt it than not. Worst case scenario they do nothing. Best case scenario they prevent a crash and death. I guess it also depends on the country tbh.

 

[aiyanah]

wow, what a lovely outlook on police you have.
in south africa, the police would let a drug dealer go because he's providing the cops arrest quotas for the month.
true story

 

[onesteptwostep]

I live in a city where you dont need a car so w00t.

If I had a car though, dont think I would unless it was endangering other people as well.

 

[Creeping Death]

wow, what a lovely outlook on police you have.
in south africa, the police would let a drug dealer go because he's providing the cops arrest quotas for the month.
true story

Some police in America do the same thing, and other nefarious activities. It depends on the city/neighborhood.
I had a co-worker from Chicago who was a gang member when he was there, one day he was stopped and searched. The cops took all his drugs and drove him around the city until they finally dropped him off in a rival gang's neighborhood, they announced on the loudspeaker who they were dropping off.

I'm originally from a bigger city where the police can't be trusted, especially if you're low income. So I'm apprehensive to get the authorities involved in anything, but where I'm at now the police are nicer and more professional than I've seen elsewhere in the country. This is one of the few scenarios where I felt it was necessary to call them.

 

[TransientMoment]

I don't report drunk drivers... mostly because when I see them, I'm driving myself, and where I'm at, I can't use the phone and drive. I also see them in the most unideal spots for reporting, like on a highway. "Yes, officer, the suspect was not wearing a hat."

 

[Minuend]

Not too long ago there was this suicidal driver who wanted to die by driving into a bus. He crashed into it, survived, but killed one of the passengers on the bus, a father of 3 and husband, instead

Yes, I'd call the cops. Though, I understand the reluctance if they're corrupt anyway. Around here, drunk driving is probably one of the worst things you can do according to a lot of people

 

[Happy]

I always report anyone who is putting others at risk. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the displeasure of encountering any drunk drivers though... although I support anyone who does.

I most commonly report construction contractors when I walk past building sites and see them putting the public at risk. Then I wait to make sure a ranger attends the scene.

But when people’s actions are only putting their own safety at risk (and they should have reasonably known better), I drop in at the supermarket and buy some popcorn...

 

[Minute Squirrel]

I've never seen one. But I probably wouldn't. I hate talking on the phone and almost never know my location(like the street or area I'm in). Too much of a bother. Plus I can just rationalize it by acknowledge the possibility that calling the cops might escalate the situation and make it worse than it would've been.

 

[Rook]

The road needs more anarchy. Breed good drivers by natural selection. I rolled a 4x4 down into a forest once when drunk. The problem is this: (well on dirt roads at 2 am at least) Alcohol makes you cocky. Taking turns at 80 km/h on an unknown road when sober you would go 40, 60 max.

Drunk drivers are ok as long as they know their limit and drive safely or at least slowly. At least drive at night when streets very empty, calmly, with gps or audio map on phone.

Ofc... most do not do this. man, the people I have seen stumbling from bar to car, then the next day: Fine as a pickle sandwich.

 

[Rook]

wow, what a lovely outlook on police you have.
in south africa, the police would let a drug dealer go because he's providing the cops arrest quotas for the month.
true story

Have a few popo friends here that Ive space caked and beered with. Many stories... It takes so much paperwork and legal costs to try and convict an owner of an illegal gun that many officers simply take the gun, say they found it in the bush and let the perp go.

Many criminals throw their weapon to the ground before arrest, so now, becuase of our lenient laws, officers have to lie and say they found the gun in possesion, otherwise: No convinction.

 

[Otis_Insularis]

I'm not sure someone is drunk driving--how would I know for sure, so no. If I saw someone driving erratically, I'd avoid the vehicle to stay out of harm and trust the regulars to report it, they always do.

 

[Happy]

wow, what a lovely outlook on police you have.
in south africa, the police would let a drug dealer go because he's providing the cops arrest quotas for the month.
true story

Have a few popo friends here that Ive space caked and beered with. Many stories... It takes so much paperwork and legal costs to try and convict an owner of an illegal gun that many officers simply take the gun, say they found it in the bush and let the perp go.

Many criminals throw their weapon to the ground before arrest, so now, becuase of our lenient laws, officers have to lie and say they found the gun in possesion, otherwise: No convinction.

Oh wow. Free guns as perk of being popo!