Rural drink-driving
Discussion
Speed addicted said:
We live near quite a nice restaurant in a small village, judging by the amount of cars parked outside the place either there are an awful lot of designated drivers or people are risking it.
Again quiet roads, very little traffic and a low chance of getting caught.
I always think this when I pass a pub in the middle of nowhere; perhaps 3 or 4 houses in walking distance. Even if Ollie Reed lived in one, there is no way these pubs would keep going if they are not the hang out for many people who drink and drive.Again quiet roads, very little traffic and a low chance of getting caught.
I live out in the sticks too and yes, it does seem to be more "expected" than in town.
Not a funny topic but a funny story. When I was first working I was living out in the sticks in Somerset. Used to go for the odd drink with my landlord and his pals. One was a farmer. He would regularly get in his Land Rover after a few and drive home across his own fields which were accessible from the back of the pub. To get home he had to cross a couple of single track lanes (public roads); literally gate to field on one side (left open in advance) and gate on the other side (similar) directly opposite so if all goes well on the public road for all of 2 seconds.
However, one night as he joined the road, what should be tootling along the lane? Yep, the local bobby who promptly T boned him. All at sub 20mph so nobody hurt but a fair bit of explaining to do. IIRC he ended up with a big fine and a load of points but kept his license due to needing it for work.
Not a funny topic but a funny story. When I was first working I was living out in the sticks in Somerset. Used to go for the odd drink with my landlord and his pals. One was a farmer. He would regularly get in his Land Rover after a few and drive home across his own fields which were accessible from the back of the pub. To get home he had to cross a couple of single track lanes (public roads); literally gate to field on one side (left open in advance) and gate on the other side (similar) directly opposite so if all goes well on the public road for all of 2 seconds.
However, one night as he joined the road, what should be tootling along the lane? Yep, the local bobby who promptly T boned him. All at sub 20mph so nobody hurt but a fair bit of explaining to do. IIRC he ended up with a big fine and a load of points but kept his license due to needing it for work.
Used to work in a little pub off the beaten path in Devon.
One of the regulars owned a garage. He would charge a pint for a MOT certificate, and use to sit a pad of them on the table when he was drinking to collect footfall.
It explained some of the absolute rustbuckets that used to be seen driving around. He would stay there most of the day once or twice a week.
We had a chap kicking off in the pub one night, and called the police, while he was sitting there. The police took ages to arrive then bundled him out the door right past the chap and certificate book on the table.
Either they didn't notice or didn't care.
One of the regulars owned a garage. He would charge a pint for a MOT certificate, and use to sit a pad of them on the table when he was drinking to collect footfall.
It explained some of the absolute rustbuckets that used to be seen driving around. He would stay there most of the day once or twice a week.
We had a chap kicking off in the pub one night, and called the police, while he was sitting there. The police took ages to arrive then bundled him out the door right past the chap and certificate book on the table.
Either they didn't notice or didn't care.
Years ago an uncle was caught drunk driving. He is a farmer with a decent amount of land and was caught in his Land Rover. Got himself a ban and then started to drive the same Land Rover across his fields, park it up and cross through the hedge to the pub before driving it back across his fields to home. I wasn’t old enough at the time to ask him why he didn’t do that in the first place.
Good friend of mine is in the Police.
There's an island, just off Largs on the west coast of Scotland, called Great Cumbrae, often referred to as Millport (the name of the only town on the island)
Millport has a police house, with one permanent resident, but in the summer months, when it's more touristy, they send a 2nd officer to stay on the island and help out.
A few years ago, big Al took that gig for the summer.
Once the last ferry has departed for the day, all the inbred locals come out and go to the pub, and they all drink and drive. The police don't bother stopping it, as long as no-one gets hurt.
Not saying it's right, just saying, that's what happens out there.
There's an island, just off Largs on the west coast of Scotland, called Great Cumbrae, often referred to as Millport (the name of the only town on the island)
Millport has a police house, with one permanent resident, but in the summer months, when it's more touristy, they send a 2nd officer to stay on the island and help out.
A few years ago, big Al took that gig for the summer.
Once the last ferry has departed for the day, all the inbred locals come out and go to the pub, and they all drink and drive. The police don't bother stopping it, as long as no-one gets hurt.
Not saying it's right, just saying, that's what happens out there.
Pistom said:
Clearly alcohol must have some impairment but the risk of getting caught is virtually none, the liklihood of causing an accident virtually none so should anyone care?
In 2019 there was 8000 people killed or injured due to drink driving crashes. It dropped to 6500 in 2020. Pubs were closed and people covering less miles. The true figure of the amount of crashes, bumps and scrapes will be massively higher. Alcohol heavily affects people's reactions and ability. A few drinks and they feel more confident, but don't realise they are impaired. Head along to an A&E department on a weekend evening. The place is full of people having alcohol related accidents.
I don't agree that there is virtually no likelihood of causing an accident.
Yep it's certainly rampant in more rural areas. We used to live in a small village just off the A1 near Wetherby, with the only pub for about two miles. On a sunny day you'd have tradesman come in from 3 pm onwards, sink 4 or 5 then one of them would drive them all home. This was a daily occurrence in Summer. They don't even try to disguise it.
I've noticed an upwards trend recently amongst a few friends of mine, too. We've had fall outs because I (rightly) don't condone it in the slightest. Yes, some of the 'nicer' pubs are further afield and transport is a pain, you either stump for a taxi or get your walking boots on. I administered CPR to a 16 year old girl in 2009 at an RTC with a drunk driver, she sadly didn't make it. Needless to say if I drive, I don't bother drinking at all.
I've noticed an upwards trend recently amongst a few friends of mine, too. We've had fall outs because I (rightly) don't condone it in the slightest. Yes, some of the 'nicer' pubs are further afield and transport is a pain, you either stump for a taxi or get your walking boots on. I administered CPR to a 16 year old girl in 2009 at an RTC with a drunk driver, she sadly didn't make it. Needless to say if I drive, I don't bother drinking at all.
Pistom said:
I've seen lots of people who have broken drink driving laws in our rural area but don't recall anyone "s
t-faced" or unfit to drive.
Clearly alcohol must have some impairment but the risk of getting caught is virtually none, the liklihood of causing an accident virtually none so should anyone care?
We did have a spate a few years ago when a change in local policing resulted a "crackdown" and sadly someone who used to drive in got run over when he was walking in. He was OK but he ended up in hospital. Nobody as far as I know has ever been hospitalised in the area when DDing.
Not that my anecdotal stories of a village with a population of less than 300 means anything but if people behave reasonably then the outcomes are usually reasonable too. I'd much prefer to see people encouraged to behave reasonably rather than being forced to however I am on a none starter with that one.
Some would argue that driving over the limit is unreasonable. I'm not so sure as many drink impaired drivers still drive more safely and at a standard better than others who meet all the legal standards to drive and at a level which would be considered acceptable.
At the same time, I feel if someone causes an incident where drink is demonstrated to have caused it, they should have the book thrown at them.
I feel the same about speeding too but realise that mine is not the popular view on either of these.
I wonder if any country has ever relaxed DD laws?
Barbados doesn't have a blood alcohol limit for driving, they'll still arrest you for driving without due care and attention though. You tend to see people driving very very slowly when they've had a few.t-faced" or unfit to drive.Clearly alcohol must have some impairment but the risk of getting caught is virtually none, the liklihood of causing an accident virtually none so should anyone care?
We did have a spate a few years ago when a change in local policing resulted a "crackdown" and sadly someone who used to drive in got run over when he was walking in. He was OK but he ended up in hospital. Nobody as far as I know has ever been hospitalised in the area when DDing.
Not that my anecdotal stories of a village with a population of less than 300 means anything but if people behave reasonably then the outcomes are usually reasonable too. I'd much prefer to see people encouraged to behave reasonably rather than being forced to however I am on a none starter with that one.
Some would argue that driving over the limit is unreasonable. I'm not so sure as many drink impaired drivers still drive more safely and at a standard better than others who meet all the legal standards to drive and at a level which would be considered acceptable.
At the same time, I feel if someone causes an incident where drink is demonstrated to have caused it, they should have the book thrown at them.
I feel the same about speeding too but realise that mine is not the popular view on either of these.
I wonder if any country has ever relaxed DD laws?
It’s not just rural areas , I’ve mentioned before , I live in a busy town on the Wirral and use a few pubs on a regular basis , usually early doors . The amount of people who drink 4 pints and upwards then jump in their car to drive home is unreal .
They’re from all walks of life too , none of them seem to give a st and always trot out the line “ never get caught as there’s no cops about “
I’ve seen the headmaster of an expensive nearby private school barely able to walk get in the car and drive off , a few in the legal profession do much the same . I’ve even been asked why I walk all the way up to the pub , it’s 15 mins to the furthest , when I could drive up in 5 mins .
Back to the rural aspect , I visited friends in Yorkshire once and we all went for a drink to a country pub , mates girlfriend drove as she doesn’t really drink full stop . While in there I’m in conversation with my friends mates who are warning each other that the police are going into pub car parks and marking the rear passenger tyre with blue chalk so if they see it moving they can pull it up for a check . Someone turned round , I’m guessing a legal expert , and said “ don’t worry , it won’t stand up in court as it’s classed as entrapment “
They seem to treat it as a game and something to be proud of when they get away with it .
They’re from all walks of life too , none of them seem to give a s
t and always trot out the line “ never get caught as there’s no cops about “ I’ve seen the headmaster of an expensive nearby private school barely able to walk get in the car and drive off , a few in the legal profession do much the same . I’ve even been asked why I walk all the way up to the pub , it’s 15 mins to the furthest , when I could drive up in 5 mins .
Back to the rural aspect , I visited friends in Yorkshire once and we all went for a drink to a country pub , mates girlfriend drove as she doesn’t really drink full stop . While in there I’m in conversation with my friends mates who are warning each other that the police are going into pub car parks and marking the rear passenger tyre with blue chalk so if they see it moving they can pull it up for a check . Someone turned round , I’m guessing a legal expert , and said “ don’t worry , it won’t stand up in court as it’s classed as entrapment “
They seem to treat it as a game and something to be proud of when they get away with it .
Rural Shropshire here - it's known and the "5 and drive". In my local it is a mix of the locals who sometimes can barely steer or visitors, who think there are no coppers (they do crack down form time to time, and they know which pub to target, and when). Fond for me, as I'm teetotal but end up as the village Uber at times..
The number of people I see who will down several pints and then chug home, especially in this weather where a good 4 or 5 Peroni is the general measure.
That said, they don't use contraception in Shropshire, the roads seem to keep the population under control.
I live in a semi-rural area and drink driving happens a lot. People know that the police aren't around like they are in the city/town areas so they have a very low risk of getting caught. Even those that crash, they are able to run for it as by the time the police turn up they've long gone and at home in bed. Usually report the car as stolen, whether that's true or not is for the police to decide.
What's even funnier is that there's actually a police station in my village but 99% of the time it is unmanned so you don't ever see any police about. Even when there's been a big fight at the pub across the road from the police station, the police came from the nearest city rather than the station across the road.
I don't think it helps that the police force is low in staff and can't really cover the rural areas. Crime is relatively low and it's more of a waste of their time to sit and wait in these small villages for something to happen.
What's even funnier is that there's actually a police station in my village but 99% of the time it is unmanned so you don't ever see any police about. Even when there's been a big fight at the pub across the road from the police station, the police came from the nearest city rather than the station across the road.
I don't think it helps that the police force is low in staff and can't really cover the rural areas. Crime is relatively low and it's more of a waste of their time to sit and wait in these small villages for something to happen.
Ankh87 said:
I live in a semi-rural area and drink driving happens a lot. People know that the police aren't around like they are in the city/town areas so they have a very low risk of getting caught. Even those that crash, they are able to run for it as by the time the police turn up they've long gone and at home in bed. Usually report the car as stolen, whether that's true or not is for the police to decide.
What's even funnier is that there's actually a police station in my village but 99% of the time it is unmanned so you don't ever see any police about. Even when there's been a big fight at the pub across the road from the police station, the police came from the nearest city rather than the station across the road.
I don't think it helps that the police force is low in staff and can't really cover the rural areas. Crime is relatively low and it's more of a waste of their time to sit and wait in these small villages for something to happen.
Back in the 80's we lived in a village that had its own Bobby. They used to have a lock in at the pub fairly regularly. The local Bobby would tap on the window with his truncheon which meant get his pint ready, then go in leaving his helmet outside whilst he joined in.What's even funnier is that there's actually a police station in my village but 99% of the time it is unmanned so you don't ever see any police about. Even when there's been a big fight at the pub across the road from the police station, the police came from the nearest city rather than the station across the road.
I don't think it helps that the police force is low in staff and can't really cover the rural areas. Crime is relatively low and it's more of a waste of their time to sit and wait in these small villages for something to happen.
Similar situation in our area where pubs are out in the boondocks and there's little or no public transport.
When we go out we either walk (though coming back in the dark on unlit roads with no pavement is a risk) or drive to the pub/restaurant.
If we drive, it's usually me that drives home so I stick with no more than 1-2 pints with food or a large glass of wine. Sometimes we will leave the car in the car park, walk or taxi home and then pop back the next morning to recover the car.
I've also discovered 0 alcohol beer which isn't too terrible - particularly like Ghost Ship 0.5%.
I can't say I've really notice people having a skinful and then driving though I'm sure it happens.
When we go out we either walk (though coming back in the dark on unlit roads with no pavement is a risk) or drive to the pub/restaurant.
If we drive, it's usually me that drives home so I stick with no more than 1-2 pints with food or a large glass of wine. Sometimes we will leave the car in the car park, walk or taxi home and then pop back the next morning to recover the car.
I've also discovered 0 alcohol beer which isn't too terrible - particularly like Ghost Ship 0.5%.
I can't say I've really notice people having a skinful and then driving though I'm sure it happens.
Back in the 90's, my friend lived in deepest, darkest Cornwall (a house accessed by driving up miles of narrow roads with grass growing up the middle)
He would regularly ride to the pub, with no helmet, get wasted and ride home again falling off multiple times with the local Bobby as his pillion passenger.
Didn't believe it till I saw it for myself, being he crashed it into the back of my car coming home one night.
No lights, no fks given
He would regularly ride to the pub, with no helmet, get wasted and ride home again falling off multiple times with the local Bobby as his pillion passenger.
Didn't believe it till I saw it for myself, being he crashed it into the back of my car coming home one night.
No lights, no f
ks givenI’ve worked in a few rural pubs and generally found people don’t drink to excess compared to towns and cities, they have a few with friends or a meal but they are not the places for a big session. Still over the limit no doubt but never really an out and out danger. Most would only have a few miles on quiet country roads to drive, which again is no excuse but any accident would rarely involve other innocent road users
The hunts would come in every now and then, get smashed and drive off but they knew the chances of getting caught were basically zero and charged even less….
The hunts would come in every now and then, get smashed and drive off but they knew the chances of getting caught were basically zero and charged even less….
thewarlock said:
Good friend of mine is in the Police.
There's an island, just off Largs on the west coast of Scotland, called Great Cumbrae, often referred to as Millport (the name of the only town on the island)
Millport has a police house, with one permanent resident, but in the summer months, when it's more touristy, they send a 2nd officer to stay on the island and help out.
A few years ago, big Al took that gig for the summer.
Once the last ferry has departed for the day, all the inbred locals come out and go to the pub, and they all drink and drive. The police don't bother stopping it, as long as no-one gets hurt.
Not saying it's right, just saying, that's what happens out there.
What you also have to take into account is that the local Bobby relies on the locals for back up and support There's an island, just off Largs on the west coast of Scotland, called Great Cumbrae, often referred to as Millport (the name of the only town on the island)
Millport has a police house, with one permanent resident, but in the summer months, when it's more touristy, they send a 2nd officer to stay on the island and help out.
A few years ago, big Al took that gig for the summer.
Once the last ferry has departed for the day, all the inbred locals come out and go to the pub, and they all drink and drive. The police don't bother stopping it, as long as no-one gets hurt.
Not saying it's right, just saying, that's what happens out there.
Falling foul of them, is a very dangerous place to be .. so what needs to be done gets done but the Bobby walks a very fine line
I live in an extremely rural location .. yes drink driving is rife ..
There’s one cop .. lives in the village and is very much part of the community
Not long ago he had to deal with a serious disturbance with a load of Romanians in a rented house .. properly threatening him .. he made one phone call … not to the main station 30 miles away but to one of the local farmers
5 minutes later … the Romanians were seriously outnumbered ( and out gunned ) by farmers and builders
There was never ever another call to that address
Equally my mate was stopped driving home pissed .. the cop said “ have you drink taken” knowing full well the answer
“Don’t let me see you again in this state” he said as he waved him on
The next night he went to the pub .. he went on his bike up the lane … the cop was waiting for him and nodded to him as he passed my mate shouted out “ I was safer in the car”
But, he’d had his warning and heeded it
Very Rural policing is very different from urban or even semi rural
I lived for a short while in the country and it could be mayhem driving late at night.
Pissed up pickup drivers all over the place and picking fights to oldies driving slowly but on the wrong side of the road.
You had to keep your wits about you.
Many well off Londoners I know, who would never dream of DD, would change their attitude once they moved to a big pile out in the home counties.
One would have a ton of booze in the City, get the train home and try to use his station car to get the last couple of miles to his house.
Often would be calling a farmer to get the Golf out of a ditch.
Even sober he was a pretty crap driver but would think nothing of driving guests to a decent pub and then get sozzled before driving them back to his place.
I went to a wedding in Somerset and stayed sober as driving was the only way back to the hotel plus I was also acting wedding photographer.
Heading back to our BnB we were on one of those almost single track lanes with high banks either side.
Up ahead I could see an Escort van on its roof blocking the way with the driver upside down struggling with his belt.
I stopped my car and ran towards him as there were now flames coming from the engine area.
I pulled him out and boy! he stunk like a brewery.
He was pretty unsteady as he looked at me and said "You haven't seen me right".
He staggered off and climbed into a field and disappeared into the dark.
Cops turned up and looked at the sign written van saying that they knew him and that they'd pick him up at his house
Pissed up pickup drivers all over the place and picking fights to oldies driving slowly but on the wrong side of the road.
You had to keep your wits about you.
Many well off Londoners I know, who would never dream of DD, would change their attitude once they moved to a big pile out in the home counties.
One would have a ton of booze in the City, get the train home and try to use his station car to get the last couple of miles to his house.
Often would be calling a farmer to get the Golf out of a ditch.
Even sober he was a pretty crap driver but would think nothing of driving guests to a decent pub and then get sozzled before driving them back to his place.
I went to a wedding in Somerset and stayed sober as driving was the only way back to the hotel plus I was also acting wedding photographer.
Heading back to our BnB we were on one of those almost single track lanes with high banks either side.
Up ahead I could see an Escort van on its roof blocking the way with the driver upside down struggling with his belt.
I stopped my car and ran towards him as there were now flames coming from the engine area.
I pulled him out and boy! he stunk like a brewery.
He was pretty unsteady as he looked at me and said "You haven't seen me right".
He staggered off and climbed into a field and disappeared into the dark.
Cops turned up and looked at the sign written van saying that they knew him and that they'd pick him up at his house
My mates dad got a ban for driving home pissed from the pub, he was warned numerous times but would return after finishing work as a carpet fitter and stop and the pub, not particularly rural but on the edge of.
He would have quite a few on occasion, then drive what must have been half a mile tops, shorter on foot as there was a cut through.
He had even been warned by the Police, his sons, his pub cronies but he knew best.
Pulls out and the Blue lights appear, well over, ban so couldn't really work for over a year, difficult cadging lifts with a carpet and tools in tow.
Going to have a couple later, on foot.
He would have quite a few on occasion, then drive what must have been half a mile tops, shorter on foot as there was a cut through.
He had even been warned by the Police, his sons, his pub cronies but he knew best.
Pulls out and the Blue lights appear, well over, ban so couldn't really work for over a year, difficult cadging lifts with a carpet and tools in tow.
Going to have a couple later, on foot.
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