 If anyone would have walked into the Wheeling Central cafeteria on Thursday afternoon, they would have sworn they were walking into a pep rally. That is exactly how more than 120 juniors and seniors greeted the Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program. The school last hosted the program in 1996.
Christopher Turak, an attorney for Gold, Khourey & Turak and one of the program's coordinators, quizzed the students on a variety of questions, while  Ned Bowdern, "the voice of the Nailers," served as the M.C. for the program. Students were asked various questions concerning the legal, personal, criminal, and financial consequences of drinking and driving. Those students that volunteered and answered questions correctly were awarded one of a number of prizes, from a t-shirt, mouse pad, or water bottle, to Nailer tickets.
Turak pointed out that, "Most individuals don't understand that driving is a privilege giving to you by the State, not a right. When you sign the document to receive your driver's license, you're are also consenting to take a breathalyzer." Turak continues, "Failure to consent, while completely within your right to do so, can result in a suspension of your driver's license. Most individuals don't realize the consequences until it is too late, and that's why we are here today. To educate you about law and emphasize making safe decisions regarding alcohol and drugs."
 Trooper 1 st Class Jason Laing of the West Virginia State Police may have provided the most memorable and entertaining portion of the program. With the use of fatal vision goggles, Trooper Laing selected a student and took him through the rigors of a DUI arrest, including field sobriety tests. The student drastically failed each test administered to him.
Wheeling Nailers Steve Crampton and Ben Blais spoke to the students about  not giving into peer pressure and sticking together. Blais explained that's exactly what Coach Bingham stresses to their team. "Coach encourages us to look out for one another and be there for each other, no matter what the situation." Blais continued, "I encourage you to take the same approach, if you find yourself or see a friend in a situation that could cause harm to you or someone else, be there to help that person out and hopefully that person will be there for you when you need them."
 Turak applauded the students on their enthusiasm. "In the 12 years of doing the program, this is one of the most enthusiastic audiences we have ever had the pleasure of speaking to."
For more information on the Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program, contact the law offices of Gold, Khourey and Turak at (304) 845-9750. |
