Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose Program Visits Beallsville
Students Receive Timely Reminder Of Consequences

February 27, 2001

With Prom season on the horizon, the administration at Beallsville High School is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to providing a drug-free and safe environment for their students and the surrounding community. More than 200 students gathered in the school's gymnasium yesterday afternoon to discuss the consequences of drinking and driving with arguably the most traveled program in the Valley - "Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose".

Former Gold, Khourey & Turak attorney and program coordinator Rich Wilson quizzed the students on their knowledge of the effects of alcohol, and explained in some detail the legal and financial consequences of being involved in a DUI arrest or crash. Those students who participated and correctly responded to his questions were rewarded with either a Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose t-shirt, water bottle, mouse pad, autographed t-shirt from NASCAR driver Jeff Green, tickets to a Wheeling Nailers game, a Wheeling Nailers autographed hockey stick, or a combination of items."It's scary to think that statistics show that 2 out of 5 Americans will be impacted in some way by a drunk driver," explained Wilson. Wilson asked the students, "To put that into perspective, look at the two people on either side of you. Now choose which two you want to be part of that statistic. You shouldn't have do that, and I don't want you to have to make that decision." Wilson continued, "The statistics are scary enough, let's not make them even worse."

Trooper Shaun Ippolito of the West Virginia State Police was on hand and demonstrated a mock arrest, and explained the procedures when someone is pulled over for drinking and driving. He informed the group of how officers observe a motorist believed to be driving under the influence, then selected one student to participate in a demonstration. "Fatal Vision Goggles" were placed on the student to simulate being impaired, and field sobriety tests and interviews were conducted. During the "heal to toe" test, the student was unable to keep his balance, or walk a straight line. Trooper Ippolito put the student "under arrest", and actually used handcuffs to detain the subject. While the students enjoyed the presentation, emphasis was placed on the seriousness of the issue. "Sure, it's fun in this setting and seeing your classmate stumble and get arrested, but out there, it's all business," offered Wilson. Wilson reminded, "There are actually people driving under these same conditions, driving on the same roads as our family members, friends, and other innocent people."

Wheeling Nailers Mark Scally and Brandon Bagnell shared stories with the students about friends they've lost due to drinking and driving. Scally touched on the impact it had on family and friends. "The person I knew wasn't even a close friend, but after seeing how the loss effected them, I wouldn't wish that on anyone." Bagnell reminded students that the drinking and driving issue extends to beyond just automobiles. "I'm from Canada, and a lot of people like to go out on the lake or ride snowmobiles as often as some folks drive cars," offered Bagnell. "The dangers and consequences are just as devastating as with automobiles."

The Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program's ultimate goal is to promote positive peer pressure among the youth in our community about drinking and driving. High schools participating in the 2000-2001 school year include Frontier, Monroe Central (assembly), Monroe Central (mock crash & trial), Weirton Madonna, Wheeling Park, and Valley. For more information, or to arrange a visit to your school or organization, contact the law offices of Gold, Khourey & Turak at (304) 845-9750, or toll free at (800) 388-2529.