Monroe Central Students Taking Issues Head-On
Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose Program Visits High School

February 8, 2001

The Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program continued their 2001 tour of the Ohio Valley yesterday afternoon with a stop at Monroe Central High School. More than 100 students participated in the program which is sponsored by the law firm of Gold, Khourey & Turak, the West Virginia State Police, WTOV TV 9, and the Wheeling Nailers.
"We're here for a reason today," said Chris Turak, attorney with Gold, Khourey & Turak. "That reason being we hope that what we have to discuss with you today will impact you in a way that you will say no to drinking and driving, and help others make that same decision as well."Turak quizzed the students on their knowledge of the effects of alcohol and explained the legal and financial consequences of being involved in a DUI arrest or crash. The students who participated and answered the questions correctly were rewarded with a variety of items including, WTOV TV 9 magnets, t-shirts, water bottles, Nailer tickets, autographed t-shirt from former LOWES #31 car Crew Chief Larry McReynolds, mouse pads, a Nailers hockey stick, or a combination of items.
One of the prerequisites for a school to have the program includes the administration and completion of at least 100 "Booze Buster Quizzes." "The students should be commended for their efforts on the Booze Buster Quiz," offered Turak. "This was one of the best groups of quizzes we've ever received," Turak continued, "The questions were answered in their entirety, and it was obvious the students put a lot of effort into the quiz."The students appeared to have done their homework, as many of the students not only answered the questions correctly, but were also able to further explain the legal ramifications of being arrested for drinking and driving. Kelli Olexia commented, "Boy, this group is really sharp. How do you guys know all this?" The students offered they learned it from [Mark] Mr. Huffman, their Health professor. Huffman allowed that, "It appears we're doing something right. It's been awhile since I had many of these students for class. I'm thrilled to see that the students retained as much as they did." For his efforts, Huffman was rewarded a prize.

What might have been the most memorable segment of the program was the mock arrest performed by 1st Sgt. John Gruzinskas, a 22-year veteran of the West Virginia State Police. Sgt. Gruzinskas created a scenario where he had pulled over someone he believed to be driving under the influence. Several students were selected to take part in field sobriety tests, which included being interviewed by Sgt. Gruzinskas. With the use of "Fatal Vision Goggles", the students were able to simulate being intoxicated. After failing the first and only test administered, the students were both "arrested" and "off" to jail. Sgt. Gruzinskas reminded the students that, "Alcohol is a drug, and just like any other drug, alcohol alters an individuals thinking such as wanting to drive faster to get home, or slower to be more careful." Gruzinskas warned that "Drunk drivers make the choice to start drinking and that choice governs all other choices beyond that point. Their actions set in motion a chain of events that could lead to their arrest, and possibly the death of innocent drivers on the road."
Wheeling Nailer John-Phillipe (J.P.) Soucy and Olexia echoed the concerns of 1st Sgt. Gruzinskas. Olexia offered that the risk of drinking and driving is not worth the consequences, "If I were ever arrested for a DUI, I would lose my job, and I love my job." Olexia continued, "In addition, think about what would happen if you did have a few drinks and decided to drive, then just swayed slightly left of center into another vehicle carrying a mom, dad, and children. How would that make you feel?" Soucy agreed, the consequences are too great. "For me I would be sent back to Canada," wear he is from. "All I ever wanted to do was to come to the States and play hockey, I'm not going to risk that by drinking and driving."
The Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program offers their program free to any groups, schools, or other organizations. This year programs include visits to Valley, Beallsville, Weirton Madonna, Frontier, Wheeling Park, and Monroe Central (mock crash & trial) . 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.