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Man Gets DUI Driving a Bar Stool

Posted by samzenpus on from the the-bar-stool-let-me-down dept.

ByOhTek writes "A man is being charged for driving under the influence, on a motorized bar stool. He stated that it was only a minor accident, from the report, nobody else was injured. According to the police report, 'Wygle claims his unique vehicle can reach a speed of 38 miles per hour, though at the time of the crash he was going around 20.' At 38 miles per hour, he could do a lot of harm if he struck someone. Should such a vehicle be considered when DUI charges are applied?"

14 comments

  1. Nice invention. by detox.method() · · Score: 0

    For the alcoholics who are on-the-go.

  2. When I was in college... by Thelasko · · Score: 1

    the cops used to write tickets to people riding bicycles while intoxicated.

    Something to think about.

    P.S. Motorized bar stools are nothing new. People race them!

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    1. Re:When I was in college... by palegray.net · · Score: 2, Funny

      They still do, at least in Georgia. The sad thing is I know two people who have DUI convictions on their records due to riding a bicycle while intoxicated. One of those guys also managed to accrue additional charges from his incident, including being a minor in possession of alcohol, out past curfew [Gwinnett County], riding on the wrong side of the road, failure to wear reflective and safety gear, and possession of a minor amount of marijuana. That case was ten years ago, and while it wasn't funny at the time, it's pretty damned funny now.

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  3. Many things = dui by Oldyeller89 · · Score: 1

    I've heard of guys getting DUIs for driving lawnmowers, bicycles and even Scooters. They can basically give you a DUI for moving if they want to.

    1. Re:Many things = dui by zenderbender · · Score: 1

      I've often wondered how we get away with drinking and driving in golf carts... Not that I'm complaining.

    2. Re:Many things = dui by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95qZtwJNjxk

      Yes you can get pulled over for a DUI on a lawnmower.

    3. Re:Many things = dui by dov_0 · · Score: 1

      I've also heard of DUIs for riding horses, camels and horse-drawn carts here in Australia.

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    4. Re:Many things = dui by palegray.net · · Score: 1

      Yep, if you're using a public roadway on any kind of vehicle while intoxicated, they'll get ya. I'm waiting to hear about someone getting a DUI on a Segway.

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    5. Re:Many things = dui by jcrousedotcom · · Score: 2, Informative

      Under Ohio Revised Code [statutes] - you can get a DUI on any means of transportation you have control over - lawnmower, horse, bicycle, etc. I used to work in a small town in Ohio as a cop (which is how I know). I actually was told a story by the arresting officer (from a neighboring jurisdiction) about the time he popped a guy 3 times in one night, first in his car, second on his riding lawnmower, finally on his bicycle. He was motivated to get back to the bar! :) For what its worth, all three were plead down to one DUI (just thought I'd stop that train before it left the station) even though they were three separate offenses.

      Oh and the Golf Cart thing? Technically it is still DUI - but generally you're on private property (I guess unless it's a city or county owned course) and the DUI statutes treat that a little differently. Unless it was a crash with injury, you're *probably* ok. :)

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  4. Laws ... by servant · · Score: 1

    IMHO, if it is defined as a motor vehicle by the states definition (a legal thing that does not have to have any bearing with reality), and the 'user' exceeds the 'boundaries' of the laws, then they are due a ticket.

    In this case, I wonder if 'public intoxication' might not be a better charge. Give the guy a ride home, and have his 'bar stool' towed. The empound charge will probably be more than the intoxication fine, and will probably be more than the value of the 'vehicle' by the time he sobers up.

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    1. Re:Laws ... by iamhassi · · Score: 1

      "In this case, I wonder if 'public intoxication' might not be a better charge."

      Agreed. I think unless you're driving a vehicle requiring a license and/or plates, it should be considered public intoxication. Charging people with DUI for riding a horse, bicycle, scooter, skateboard (while drunk? That's talent) just seems kinda stupid to me, that they'ed put skateboard in same category as 100+ mph capable 7,000 lbs 4x4 truck.

      I think they guy was smart with the jury trial because I'd sure as hell never convict him of DUI on a 5hp bar stool.

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  5. He needs a bigger engine by Alien+Being · · Score: 1

    http://www.hossflyinc.com/home.html

  6. Ohio - RUI? by geekmux · · Score: 1

    Under Ohio Revised Code [statutes] - you can get a DUI on any means of transportation you have control over - lawnmower, horse, bicycle, etc.

    Wow, that seems rather strict, but it doesn't surprise me. Anything I have control over, eh? What about a skateboard? Does one foot on the ground every now and then constitute "driving"? What about inline skates? Are devices that I'm physically wearing as shoes also considered "driving" devices? What about running shoes? Of course, running shoes sounds absurd, as that couldn't possibly constitute "driving", but then again, I've seen people moving a hell of a lot faster running than on a horse, lawnmower, or even a bicycle...

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    1. Re:Ohio - RUI? by jcrousedotcom · · Score: 1

      Excellent questions - but no. Skates or skateboard isn't really a vehicle (I guess 'cause it doesn't have brakes? Even with a horse you can pull back on the reigns - a brake of sorts).

      There is a statute regarding walking on the highway intoxicated (I don't remember the exact verbage, it's been 4 years since I worked there). The conecpt behind all of these are intended for the safety of general public and or the operator, well at least that's the thought, anyhow. :)

      As to the drunk skateboarding / inline skates? Are you a traffic hazard? Are you a danger to yourself or others? If so, I might just arrest for public intoxication. Not a DUI but an arrestable offense nonetheless.

      FWIW - I was not so much of a hardass about a lot of this stuff. If someone had a stupid attack and I could find an alternative solution besides the worst offense I could charge them with, I would. I remember one night I had a guy pass by me (I was sitting, with park lights on, even thought they were not necessary in a private lot) in a church parking lot in plain view on Main St. a few blocks down from one of the bars. The bar in question often had troubles (fights, assault, indecent exposure, etc) in the alley behind it so during closing time it was ususally a good thing to be somewhere near. Anyway - the guy passes by me in a 35 mph zone accelerating like he it trying to take flight. I pulled out when he hit 70 in a 35. I get him stopped and he has been drinking. I can't (nor would I) say that he was drunk, just that is was obvious that he was drinking. The passenger had not been drinking. Anyway - he was also under suspension. I wrote him for the speed, issued a summons to appear to the DUS and had the passenger (who had a valid license) drive the rest of the 20 miles back home. He had driven less than 2 miles and stopped immediately. He had a momentary lapse in judgement. I am not saying to *not* prosecute DUI, I am just saying that sometimes the totality of the circumstances needs to be taken into account. In this case, I accomplished the need to show enforcement (a traffic citation and a criminal summons) without taking myself away from protecting the other citizens of the town for 3 hours dealing with the process of the DUI. I know this will start a storm of controversy about DUI Enforcement. Let it me known, I arrested my fair share of folks for DUI. They key is time, place, and situation.

      So many times we don't use balance and good judgement when creating and enforcing laws. The question posed is "What would a reasonable person do in this situation?

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