Weir High Receives Message Firsthand
Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose

December 18, 2001

The Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program continued their tour of the Ohio Valley yesterday afternoon at Weir High School. More than 100 students gathered and received some valuable advice from Wheeling Nailers Dan Kopec and Kurt Drummond, attorney Rich Wilson formerly of the personal injury law firm of Gold, Khourey and Turak, and 1st Sgt. John D. Gruzinskas of the West Virginia State Police.

Wilson, also the program's coordinator, asked the students various questions concerning the legal and financial consequences of drinking and driving. Those who participated in the discussion were awarded Nailer tickets, Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose t-shirts, mouse pads, and other items.

Wilson pointed out, "Many young adults, and older adults for that matter, don't realize that you can be arrested for DUI without actually consuming an alcoholic beverage." He states that, "Besides the obvious use of drugs such as marijuana, anyone who takes a prescription medication, then decides to drive, runs the risk of being arrested for driving under the influence." "For someone under the age of 21, it doesn't take much, the level is 0.02." Wilson comments, "Why anyone would increase the risk by drinking then trying to drive is beyond me."

Sergeant Gruzinskas explained that many DUI arrests don't start out as DUI arrests, but as minor traffic violations. "Many times we'll pull someone over because they have a tail light out, then we notice the smell of alcohol and that's when our attention shifts to a possible DUI arrest", says Sgt. Gruzinskas. He showed several students firsthand what an actual DUI stop entailed. With the use of "Drunk Goggles", students Troy Fernandez and Jasmine Pendegrast simulated being intoxicated and were taken through a number of field sobriety tests. Neither Fernandez or Pendegrast were able to perform the heal-to-toe test properly. Gruzinskas added, "Sure the glasses are a lot of fun, but it's not a game when you drink and drive." "It's just not worth taking the gamble."

Wheeling Nailers Dan Kopec and Kurt Drummond explained to the students that drinking and driving can ruin your dreams and reputation. In fact, the Nailers have made a commitment to their players and staff in that in the event that any player is placed in a situation that they may not arrive home safely, they are to call a cab - and the team will pay for it, no questions asked. Kopec offered, "You just can't take that risk and place yourself in that situation, as an individual or as an organization."

Weir High student Justina Rasicci was selected as the Booze Buster Quiz winner based on her responses on the "Booze Buster Quiz," a quiz each student must complete before attending the program. Rasicci was emotional as she shared with her classmates her experience in losing 2 family members to a drunk driver. "I ask that everyone remember this story so that the next time you are at a party, you will make the safe decision." Wilson thanked Rasicci for her comments and explained to the students that "This is the type of tragedy we are trying to avoid happen to you." Wilson continued, "This is real, and for those of you who think that it can't happen to you, I hope you will think twice about letting a friend or family member drive while under the influence."

Wilson ended offering to the students, "I like to think of stopping someone from drinking and driving as saving a life. It may be the life of a friend, neighbor, or maybe a family member, you just don't know. Please make the safe decision."

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.