Would you EVER drive over the limit

[Guest ttfn]

Having had a mate get done for drink driving the next lunchtime

The next lunchtime?! Christ. I felt a bit ropey at 10amafter a wedding the other day but left at about 11 (figured i'd give it some extra time) and thought I was being over cautious (i felt ok by the time i set off). Will definitely hold off until at least lunchtime after anything big from now on.

Back on topic, I completely sympathise with the OP and probably would have done the same but drink driving is fatally dangerous. That said, judging by CambridgeFox's post, I may not be being as diligent as I should be on the matter. You live and learn.

[Rincewind]

As a non driver and mostly a passenger this seems a daft question. I would assume almost every driver has driven over the limit. If it means constantly disregarding others safety then I imagine those people will be caught and rightfully punished. If it means on a staight road with a clear view ahead and no other veichels in front or behind then I would think it happens. Unless you have a burst tyre you would have time to react but that could happen even if you were going under speed limit.

[Trav Le Bleu]

Thanks

I didn't think you'd actually go through with it!

[Trav Le Bleu]

As a non driver and mostly a passenger this seems a daft question. I would assume almost every driver has driven over the limit. If it means constantly disregarding others safety then I imagine those people will be caught and rightfully punished. If it means on a staight road with a clear view ahead and no other veichels in front or behind then I would think it happens. Unless you have a burst tyre you would have time to react but that could happen even if you were going under speed limit.

In my younger days, when I felt more invincible and beyond the law, I have driven after a couple of pints (though never when what I'd even call tipsy). Whilst driving in a straight line at a modest speed isn't a problem, it's more about your reaction times to things unexpected. As a non-driver though you might not realise how frequently this happens. It's not just punctures, or kids running out - it's drivers braking earlier than you would, or pulling out in front of you, or corners that you'er not familiar with that suddenly tighten. I'd say that kind of thing can happen 2-3 times easily in a few miles.

[Parafox]

Thanks to all FT posters. I have taken on board everything that's been said and I really appreciate all the views expressed.

Got home that evening with no problems. Daughter felt she had been "rescued" and was sorry and grateful at the same time.

Needless to say I drove all the way there and back with cruise control set at the speed limits and I didn't feel incapable at any time.

I feel I balanced risk against need and took the decision I took for the best outcome.

If anyone cares to check my profile they will see that my job kind of makes me seem irresponsible for driving after alcohol. Also that I have a deep rooted professional desire to help in a crisis.

[Bryn]

Very difficult decision to make... far be it from anyone to tell you you're a monster for the choice you made.

However, I think had police pulled you over and breathalysed you they'd have had no choice but to have arrested you and they'd be right to do so. Furthermore, had your distressed state and blood alcohol volume contributed to an accident which lead to fatalities, perhaps somebody else's daughter returning from a trip away, you'd not have been able to live with yourself and would have been quite rightly sent to prison.

I think if there is (God forbid) a next time, a call to the local police station where she was and use of somebody else to drive, even if its a taxi, would be far more sensible.

[Guest Col city fan]

Very difficult decision to make... far be it from anyone to tell you you're a monster for the choice you made.

However, I think had police pulled you over and breathalysed you they'd have had no choice but to have arrested you and they'd be right to do so. Furthermore, had your distressed state and blood alcohol volume contributed to an accident which lead to fatalities, perhaps somebody else's daughter returning from a trip away, you'd not have been able to live with yourself and would have been quite rightly sent to prison.

I think if there is (God forbid) a next time, a call to the local police station where she was and use of somebody else to drive, even if its a taxi, would be far more sensible.

I agree....

[Parafox]

I agree....

Me too and having read the views and thoughts of others I have more food for thought should I ever be in a similar situation.

[Guest Col city fan]

Me too and having read the views and thoughts of others I have more food for thought should I ever be in a similar situation.

Massively difficult situation you were in mate... Glad its resolved.

[Rincewind]

Sorry I never read the OP. I thought it was the speed limit. This alters things slightly. With what you drank a lot of people would still feel capable and not have twinges of guilt. However it was over so trying to find another driver would have been an option.

But in hindsight we can always see a better choice for actions. If stopped by the police it would be nice to think they were thoughtful ones and arrange for a driver to finish your journey. We are living in the real world though and they would have done their job and charged you. I would not like to have made a decision like that.