The 2008 Booze and Cruise, You ' ll Lose programs started out in fine fashion this afternoon with a visit to Bishop Donahue High School. More than 50 juniors and seniors were challenged with a variety of questions aimed at separating myth from fact in regard to driving under the influence. The program sponsors include the West Virginia State Police, Gold, Khourey & Turak, the Wheeling Nailers, and WTOV-TV 9.

Brendan Burke, the “ Voice of the Nailers, ” and WTOV ' s Jeff Oechslein served as the emcees of the program. Burke and Oechslein went out into the audience searching for volunteers to answer some rather difficult questions about driving under the influence. The questions were taken from the Booze Buster Quiz, which the students completed a week prior to the program. Completing the quiz is a prerequisite to attending the program. Students who participated and answered the questions correctly were awarded a either a t-shirt or tickets to a Wheeling Nailers game. Curtiss Patrick, captain of the Wheeling Nailers, was on hand to deliver prizes to the lucky students.

Christopher Turak, an attorney with the law firm of Gold, Khourey & Turak and the program ' s coordinator, encouraged the students to take advantage of today ' s opportunity. “ The reason we ' re here today is to educate you on the law, and to encourage you to make intelligent and safe decisions as it pertains to driving under the influence, ” explained Turak. “ We will be as honest as we can and try to answer any questions you may have. ”

Turak, 1st Sgt. Jason Laing, a 14-year veteran of the West Virginia State Police, and WV Trooper Nick Nolder teamed to discuss everything from how you can get arrested for D.U.I. to what you should expect once you ' ve been pulled over. Nolder and Laing confirmed that most d.u.i. arrests don ' t start out as a d.u.i. stop. Laing offered, “ Most of the d.u.i. arrests we experience start out as minor traffic violations, such as a burnt-out taillight, a side marker being out, or going a few miles over the speed limit. Once we have you pulled over we ' ll talk to you, and if everything ' s o.k., we ' ll send you on your way. However, if we smell an odor of alcohol or any other drugs, then our attention shifts to a possible d.u.i.. ”

Turak discussed whether a person is required to submit to a breathilyzer test, or can it be refused. “ Driving is a privilege not a right, ” Turak told the students. “ When you sign to get your drivers licence, you are agreeing to submit to a breath test when asked. The law is called, ‘ Implied Consent ' So while you can refuse to take the test, refusing will lead to an automatic suspension of your drivers license, ” explained Turak. Laing followed up Turak ' s comments and encouraged them to take the test when asked. “ Honestly, for me it ' s a lot easier to convict you without the breath test. At least with the breath test you have a chance to challenge the results of the test, ” said Laing.

After the question and answer session, Turak surprisingly selected student Chrissy Muchek to participate in a mock D.U.I. arrest. With the use of “ Fatal Vision Goggles ” , Muchek simulated 0.10 intoxication and was taken through a number of field sobriety tests, including the one-legged stand and heal-to-toe tests. Muchek performed poorly on each test, was handcuffed and placed “ under arrest ” by Laing. Laing even pulled out a portable breath test, which Muchek passed.

Turak reminded the students that drinking and driving is a serious issue. “ We ' ve had a lot of fun here today, and hopefully you ' ve learned a little, but understand that driving under the influence is something that is very serious and has resulted in far too many injuries and deaths in our community. ”

Wheeling Nailer captain, Curtiss Patrick spoke to the students about making smart decisions. “ I had a friend who received a full scholarship to play hockey, but shortly before he was to arrive at school, he was pulled over for d.u.i.. The school pulled his scholarship and today he is still paying back almost $140,000 in school loans. The good thing is he didn ' t get hurt or injure anyone. Be smart and look out for each other. ”

At the close of the program, student Marc Sneddon was recognized for his efforts on the Booze Buster Quiz. Sneddon was presented with a t-shirt, tickets to an upcoming Wheeling Nailers game, and a game-used autographed hockey stick from the Nailers.

The Booze and Cruise, You ' ll Lose program is sponsored by the law offices of Gold, Khourey & Turak, the West Virginia State Police, WTOV 9, and the Wheeling Nailers. For more information on the program, contact the law offices of Gold, Khourey & Turak at (304) 845-9750.