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Main Page Drunk Driver
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Posted by: Doxparadise

I was driving home from a concert in Boston tonight (12:40 am on friday, May 19th) and was next to an extremely drunk driver swerving into lanes of oncoming traffic (Thank god it was past midnight so few drivers were on the road). This was on Memorial Drive heading west bound and I called the State Police. I followed him but lost him when he ran a red light. I assumed he was heading towards Rt. 2 west. The barracks said they would notify units ahead. I was just wondering if anyone knows if he was caught. He was driving a silver Dodge pickup truck with metal racks in the back (like a contractor). It's people like this that infuriate me so much. I wish I were an officer right now so i could catch the scum bag, but being 19 i have to wait. Just wondering if anyone konws if he was caught, I would have stayed with him as long as needed but didnt want to run the red light. Any word would help me put my mind to rest. Thanks.

Posted by: Wolfman

Sure he was drunk? Maybe the guy was having a diabetic reaction or something...you did the right thing by calling it in, save passing judgement if you don't know the whole story though...

Posted by: Sgt. Canseco

Quote:

save passing judgement if you don't know the whole story though...

well said.

Posted by: Nancy

Good point, Wolfman. It reminds me of something that happened to a friend who has had Type I diabetes since he was a child. A few years ago, he was driving home from work in Providence and had a low blood sugar reaction. He managed to bring the car to the curb and stop. A Providence police officer came along and my friend tried to explain what was happening. The officer, hearing his slurred his words, assumed he was drunk, took his car keys and left him in the car. He was unconscious for about six hour before waking up enough to ingest the sugar gel he keeps with him. Luckily, he was okay.

I’m curious as to what training police officers receive in detecting diabetic reactions or other illnesses that may mimic drug or alcohol use. My friends does wear a bracelet indicating he has diabetes. Is there anything else he should do?

Thanks.

Posted by: j809

Maybe he was getting a blowie.

Posted by: PearlOnyx

Nancy,

Training to recognize conditions that mimic alcohol intoxication are pretty common place from my understanding.

Posted by: Andy0921

Yeah I have stoped many people thinking the were shit faced but they were having a diabetic reaction.

Posted by: Nancy

Thanks, I thought it would be. Perhaps the Providence PD needs a refresher course.

Posted by: 48Weeks

Don't stress out over it. Even if he was caught and was intoxicated, once it goes to trial his attorney will request a bench trial. The Judge, who was probably a defense attorney at one point, will then find him not guilty despite overwhelming evidence against him. Welcome to the real world! PS: if the Staties didn't call you back then they probably didn't arrest him. A Trooper would have called you if they did arrest to get more of your personal information for his report.

Posted by: Andy0921

Quote:

Originally Posted by 48Weeks

Don't stress out over it. Even if he was caught and was intoxicated, once it goes to trial his attorney will request a bench trial. The Judge, who was probably a defense attorney at one point, will then find him not guilty despite overwhelming evidence against him. Welcome to the real world! PS: if the Staties didn't call you back then they probably didn't arrest him. A Trooper would have called you if they did arrest to get more of your personal information for his report.

unless he remaind an anonymous caller

Posted by: pickels

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy

Good point, Wolfman. It reminds me of something that happened to a friend who has had Type I diabetes since he was a child. A few years ago, he was driving home from work in Providence and had a low blood sugar reaction. He managed to bring the car to the curb and stop. A Providence police officer came along and my friend tried to explain what was happening. The officer, hearing his slurred his words, assumed he was drunk, took his car keys and left him in the car. He was unconscious for about six hour before waking up enough to ingest the sugar gel he keeps with him. Luckily, he was okay.

I’m curious as to what training police officers receive in detecting diabetic reactions or other illnesses that may mimic drug or alcohol use. My friends does wear a bracelet indicating he has diabetes. Is there anything else he should do?

Thanks.

This Providence police officer should have at least asked if he was diabetic. Obviously your friend could have proved it with the bracelet. When I took my 1st responder many moons ago we were taught to look for medical id tags. If in doubt call for an ambualnce that has a medic on board. They can check the blood sugar level right on scene and determine such.

Posted by: tazoez

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickels

Stupid question, what if they don't have a bracelet? I have hypoglycemia and I unfortunatly don't have one and have been unlucky enough to have a low blood sugar reaction while driving. I know that I could have easily said that I am having reaction but wondering cause I was REALLY out of it.

Posted by: mtc

I'd think the absence of the smell of alcohol would be a tip off that it might be something else?

Posted by: Tango

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtc

I'd think the absence of the smell of alcohol would be a tip off that it might be something else?

Not always- someone can have BOTH going on. Diabetic's blood sugar can be affected by booze (the sugars and carbs in beer etc)- not always, but it can, so dont be fooled by the lack of odor.
Some signs that maybe helpful-
Someone who is hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) can share some of the same signs as someone who is intoxicated, so look for other clues- hypodermics in the car or a glucometer(most insulin dependent diabetics will have them on their person or in the car) Check their wallet for a medical history card. There could be a lot of candy wrappers, soda cans around (attempts to boost their sugar as they feel it coming on). They will also be sweating badly. You can also look at the tips of their fingers, which maybe callous from continous fingersticks. Someone who has low blood sugar, if low enough to effect their driving, will be out in left field. When in doubt, call EMS to CYA. .....or they could just be a drunk diabetic

Posted by: pickels

Quote:

Originally Posted by tazoez

Tazoez,

That is WHY I said call for a paramedic to check for it. It will CYA in the long run.

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