long story.
I joined the Navy in 1989.
Before that I worked at a Mall. I was 19 (grandfathered into the 18 year old drinking law) I would leave the mall at closing, typically at 2130. Go get a 12 pack Heineken and a bag of ice. I kept a cooler in the truck.
There were about 5 Bars / Clubs I would frequent until around midnight, drinking beers in the truck between stops. And, then pretty much hammered, drive home. some mornings I had to look out the window to see if my truck was in the yard because I had no idea how I got home.
One night during this time, I topped the hill near my house right off the interstate, there was a DUI roadblock, cops lights everywhere. no where to go, maybe 300 yds to the group of Cops. A cop I knew (went to my church) came to the window with a flashlight, shined it in and looked at the cooler between my feet. 4 Heineken bobbing and swimming in a icy pool. He said, Keith, wtf are you doing? I said..."umm nothing".
He said, "go over there and pour those beers out and go home". I did. That is the first, last and only time I ever even came close.
After 28 years 5 months of Navy, I owe that guy.
You do indeed.
Can't say I wasn't let off the hook a time or two myself. Those were different times, though.
Up until the late 90s I didn't drive any distance at all without a cooler full of beer, destined to be empty once I got to where I was aimed.
Since then, It has been rare for me to drive after even just an honest couple. Not only could consequences be severe financially, but could be devastating in a more personal sense for myself and far worse for someone else. No can do anymore.
