St. Clairsville High School Hosts First
Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose Program

February 27, 2004

On Thursday afternoon, the Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program visited with more than 100 seniors at St. Clairsville High School to discuss the legal, personal, financial, and criminal consequences of drinking and driving. Sponsors of the program are Gold, Khourey & Turak, the Wheeling Nailers, the West Virginia State Police, and WTOV TV-9.

"We're not here to tell you not to drink, you already know that," offered Christopher Turak, attorney with Gold, Khourey & Turak and the coordinator of the program. "We want to discuss with you some of the consequences if you drink then decide to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Our hope is that what we have to share with you today will help you make the safe decision about drinking and driving, and help others make safe decisions as well," continued Turak.

Ned Bowdern, who serves as the Wheeling Nailers broadcaster, and Turak quizzed the students on a variety of questions and situations concerning drinking and driving. Students who participated in the discussions were awarded a variety of prizes which included mouse pads, t-shirts, water bottles and more. Wheeling Nailer players Kamil Kuriplach and Brad Mehalko were on hand to distribute the prizes. The questions asked were taken from a Booze Buster Quiz that the students had completed a week earlier. Turak and Bowdern selected volunteers to answer questions, then elaborated on the answers.

Turak explained, "While it is true that you can refuse to take a breathalyzer test, the consequence is that you will lose your license for one year. Most students, and many adults for that matter, don't realize that when you sign your name to your drivers license, you are also stating that you will submit to a breath test when pulled over on a possible D.U.I." Turak continued, "You do not have the right to drive a car, it is a privilege bestowed upon you by the State."

Trooper 1 st Class Jason Laing, a 10-year veteran of the West Virginia State Police, spoke to the students about D.U.I. arrests. "I don't have to have a sample of your blood, urine, or a breath test for you to be charged with D.U.I.," explained Laing. "I have a whole list of items that I look for. At the moment we meet, I'm beginning to build a case against you." Laing administered a serious of field sobriety test on student Robbie Schmidt. With the use of fatal vision goggles, Schmidt was able to simulate .10 intoxication. After failing several tests, Trooper Laing "arrested" Schmidt.

Just recently there was a serious accident involving D.U.I. on Rt. 9 in Ohio, and Trooper Laing referred to that during his presentation. "Sure this is a lot of fun today," offered Laing. "But we are here today because we don't want what happened on Rt. 9 to happen again, to you or anyone else. That's why law enforcement is so steadfast in their efforts to get drunk drivers off the road."

Wheeling Nailers Kamil Kuriplach and Brad Mehalko echoed the words of Turak and Laing. "Not too long ago I was in high school, so I know what you're going through," smiled Mehalko. "However, what we've emphasized today is that it's o.k. to have fun, just be safe. If you have a drink, or if your buddy has a drink, don't drive. It's as simple as that."

At the conclusion of the program, Turak recognized student Brandi Thrash as the Booze Buster Quiz winner and awarded her a variety of prizes. "You all should be commended for the effort put forth on the quizzes, but Brandi's quiz stood out and we would like to recognize her for sharing her thoughts with us."