Yep, the coupon is back. And you know the drill: Fill it out and put it in your pocket, wallet or purse. Before I get all preachy about driving drunk this Christmas and New Year's, I have a confession -- I thought this idea was pretty silly a year ago.
I mean, come on -- a coupon for people considering driving under the influence? Truth is, we've all been there. How many times have you been in a cozy bar or partying at a house with friends, family and co-workers, tossing back a few, laughing at bad jokes, telling tall tales?
Hell, that's my job. And I'll be the first to tell you, it's all fun and games until you get up to leave with your car keys in hand. Serious thoughts invade the cranium: Stay a bit longer?
Call a cab? Spend the night? Bum a ride?
Drive home? Don't know about you, but there are two things that'll make me suck in my pride real quick: failing a field sobriety test and getting into a serious accident. There are about 65,000 DUIs each year around the state, according to the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Writing this column, I've met a lot of folks charged with or affected by DUIs. The scenarios change but the end result is usually the same: imprisonment, convictions, fines, probation. Not to mention vehicle impoundment, driver's license revocation, counseling and DUI school requirements.
And think about this: A DUI these days will cost you at least $7,800, according to www. friendsdrivesober.org.
Again, sorry for the preaching, but each year -- especially during the holiday season -- lots of people get caught by a vigilant cop or at a sobriety checkpoint. Or worse, they don't, and someone gets hurt. So consider filling out the coupon, or some other reminder.
Use anything to remind you. Be safe. Merry Christmas.
Dean Johanesen of the Human Condition performs 8 to 10 p.m.
today at JavaMoon Cafe, 3409 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Cover is $3.
Call 744-5133. Rock bands Wikked and Jester perform 9 p.
m. today and Saturday at Rockerfellas, 5520 14th St. W.
, Bradenton. Cover for the 21-and-older show is $6 each night. Call 756-2831 or access /rockerfellas.
High-energy band The Untouchables performs at 10 p.m.
today and Saturday at the 5 O'Clock Club, 1930 Hillview St., Sarasota. Local band Identity Krisis performs at 10 p.
m. Sunday. Cover is $3 each night.
Call 366-5555 or access www.5oclock club.net.
Don't know enough about the greatest jazz trumpeter of all time? Check out "The Miles Davis Story," a documentary about the famed musician that'll screen at 6 p.
m. Thursday at Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota.
No cover. Call 861-1100. Got entertainment news?
Call 361-4929 or e-mail steve.echeverria @heraldtribune.com.
Last modified: December 22.
News RSS