Do not drink

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by greenelk, Apr 29, 2010.

  1. Coonass

    Coonass "Freshy Fresh"

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    States do not have to report tickets to your home state as of a year
    ago, thats not to say they don't because some do.

    I think you just got lucky that they did not report the DUI to your home
    state.

    I believe the feds are trying to change that where all states must report
    tickets to a central database where other states can access the
    information. I don't know that it's been done yet and whether it's for all
    licenses are just CDL holders.
     
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  3. MUSTANGGT

    MUSTANGGT Road Train Member

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    I had a similar lucky break in Oregon in 1992. Except in my case, I was a chronic offender and it was just a matter of time before I got caught.
    Fortunately, I fell under Oregon's first time offender law in place at the time.
    I hired a local attorney to coordinate with and was allowed to post bond and return home.
    I was permitted to attend a 12 week outpatient rehab program at home and send the documentation to my attorney, who, in turn, presented it to the judge.
    Upon completion of the program the pending DUI was dropped and was never sent to my home state and it never appeared on my MVR either.
    The only stipulation was that I lost my CMV priveleges in the state of Oregon for one year.
    That was inconsequential, for I came off the road completely for a few years in an attempt to turn things around.
    The counsellor I was assigned to in the rehab program gently prodded me to an AA meeting, although it wasn't a state requirement.
    I didn't get sober immediately(few people do on the first try) but I finally admitted I was an addict and needed help from others.

    For the longest time I was paranoid about applying to the better carriers for fear of being found out and got a job with a local outlaw outfit. Quickly realizing it was a dead end I bought my own truck in 1995 and worked hard at my business and staying clean and sober. I did well enough to buy a brand new Peterbilt 379 in 1997 and another one in 1999.

    Fortunately I never crashed a vehicle or did harm to others while I was abusing, but that was only through luck.
    I was given the lucky break of a lifetime and I at least still had enough sense to realize it.

    I am careful not to be overly critical of people who have made mistakes or have addiction problems.
    I met a lot of good folks in AA who really did turn their life around. Everybody doesn't, but some do, and occasionally one gets a lucky break with an employer willing to give them an opportunity.
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2010
  4. Road Jackal

    Road Jackal Bobtail Member

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    My brother used to have his CDL. One DUI was all it took for that to be forever gone (As far as I know, at least - Not that he has the motivation to try and get it back.) He wasn't an OTR driver, so he didn't have the 'luck' of it not being reported to his home state, and honestly, with how bad his drinking has gotten lately... As much as I hate to say it, I feel it's a good thing his CDL was revoked, because he's a danger with or without a vehicle when he drinks, and has no intention of admitting he has a problem, or letting anyone help him figure out how to 'fix' it, so to speak.

    It's a shame, really, because he is an awesome guy when not drinking.. But get a few beers in him, and he's the #1 idiot I can think of. Add strong liquor, and that's asking for disasters in all different forms.

    Losing his CDL was a huge blow, of course, and he's been unemployed for quite some time, BUT, IMO it really is his own fault, since he's not even WILLING to admit his mistake... More the type to find a way to blame things like that on everybody else. :biggrin_25512:
     
  5. MUSTANGGT

    MUSTANGGT Road Train Member

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    I'm sure he is an awesome guy. Unfortunately, addiction has nothing to do with intelligence or character. Plenty of "good" people are affected for a variety of reasons.
    You stated that he refuses to admit he has a problem. You hit the nail on the head, my friend.
    The #1 step in AA is this:
    1)We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable.

    That is a hard admission for anyone to make, and some never do. I hope for everyone's sakes, he admits it sooner, rather than later.
    Sorry, didn't mean to preach, but I have lost some friends to this over the years, guys my age that I went to school with that died way too young.
    I wish you well.
     
  6. jakebrake12

    jakebrake12 Road Train Member

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    Shouldn't this thread be renamed "don't drink and drive"? I'm currently enjoying a cold beverage or 10 after a long night of line-haul but I'm in the comfort of my own home with nothing to do till tomorrow morning..

    I certainly see no issues with that..
     
  7. MUSTANGGT

    MUSTANGGT Road Train Member

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    Sorry did not mean to offend anyone or come across as sanctimonious.
    I would be the worlds biggest hypocrite to say I was anti alcohol after drinking for 30 plus years.
    I would love to have a cold beer myself right now, but that would turn into 18 today and no telling how many tomorrow or the next day.
    I just can't do it anymore and I recognize that.
    And I certainly have no issue with what you do. Enjoy, brother.
     
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  8. jakebrake12

    jakebrake12 Road Train Member

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    No doubt man.. Just wasn't sure but I figured that's what you meant.. My keys will sit where they sit till the morning..
     
  9. BIG RIGGER

    BIG RIGGER Road Train Member

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    I have been arrested seven times for DWI. Once in LA.the first time then six more times in TX.I was never convicted until the seventh time. I think I would have beat that one but I had the same judge on number seven as number six and she told the jury how many times I have gotten away with it.

    My advice is if you do drink don't blow no matter what the cops tell you is gonna happen.BTW I quit drinking in 1995 after my misdemeanor conviction.
     
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  10. jakebrake12

    jakebrake12 Road Train Member

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    That's pretty personal but thanks for sharing. When I drink I hang the keys up - too much to loose and my parents pounded that into my head at a young age. It helps that my two best friends are girls and will drive two hours to get my sorry butt home if need be - plus they would whack me over the head with a caveman club if I drove drunk.
     
  11. walleye

    walleye Road Train Member

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    I see an issue,......I thought yous were chasing the tata's????,....
     
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