'Booze and Cruise', Nailers Visit Weirton Madonna

December 13, 2001

More than 150 students and teachers of Weirton Madonna High School gathered in the school's gymnasium this afternoon to hear an important message from one of the most traveled programs in the Ohio Valley - "Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose".

Gold, Khourey & Turak attorney Chris Turak quizzed the students on their knowledge of the effects of alcohol, and discussed 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-shirts, water bottles, NASCAR memorabilia, tickets to a Wheeling Nailer's game, can coolers, a Wheeling Nailer's autographed hockey stick, and more.

"I know that at some point someone will offer you a beer when you're driving, or you will be in a situation where you are out with someone who decides to consume alcohol," Turak offered to the students. "I just hope that you remember what we presented here today and don't get behind the wheel, or ride with anyone who has been drinking." Turak continued, "Make the safe and smart decision and call your mom or dad if you're ever in that situation. I'm sure that they would much rather accept a phone call from you, than a call from the hospital indicating that you've been in an alcohol related accident."

1st Sergeant John D. Gruzinskas, a 23-year veteran of the West Virginia State Police may have provided the most memorable demonstration of the program. By using "Fatal Vision", or "drunk goggles", Alicia Smitsky, student at Madonna, simulated being intoxicated. Sgt. Gruzinskas took Smitsky through the rigors of a DUI arrest, including questioning and field sobriety tests. After taking a few steps during the "heal-to-toe" test, it was obvious that she was in no condition to "drive." Gruzinskas commented,"The kids always enjoy seeing their classmates stumble and getting handcuffed, but the reality is that these folks are actually on the road driving with you, me, our families, and other innocent drivers." He adds, "Some people don't realize that choosing to drink and drive not only effects the driver, but can even cause harm to others - including death." He reminded folks that "Alcohol is a drug, and anything that is considered a drug is going to make you react differently, especially when you're driving."

Wheeling Nailers Bogdan Rudenko and Chris Wells entertained the students by distributing prizes to those who participated in the presentation, but it was not all fun and games to Wells. Wells, who was a first round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1994 NHL entry draft explained that the consequences of drinking and driving should make you think twice about what you're doing. Wells shared with the students a story about his days as a member of the NHL's Florida Panthers. "When I played with the Florida Panthers, I remember several teammates who had been pulled over the night before a game for drinking and driving. They wondered if the police were going to come and arrest them in the locker room. "I also remember some other friends who got into a lot of trouble because they decided to drink and drive." Wells added, "We're here today to tell you that drinking and driving can cause problems in your life, and we hope if you decide to drink that you won't get behind the wheel."

At the conclusion of the program, Sophomore Ashley Wright was presented a Wheeling Nailers autographed hockey stick for her responses on the Booze Buster Quiz. One of the prerequisites of the program requires the school to administer at least 100 of the quizzes to their students. Turak offered, "We appreciate the time and effort Ashley put forth on the quiz. Her responses go to the heart of why we are here today, and that is to let the students know that it can happen to them, and in fact, one of their classmates has been effected by a drunk driver."

Weirton Madonna is the second OVAC high school the program has visited this year. The Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose team has visited River High School, and has visits scheduled to Wheeling Park, Frontier, Weir, Oak Glen, Union Local, and John Marshall for the season. To reserve a program for your school or organization, please contact the law offices of Gold, Khourey & Turak at (304) 845-9750.