Don't drink, operate vehicle

  • Published
  • By 1st SOW judge advocate office
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Article 111 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Florida Statute 316.193 makes it a crime for individuals to operate or be in physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other intoxicants.

Physical control is defined as the capability and power to dominate, direct or regulate the vehicle, regardless of whether one is exercising that capability at the time of the offense.

This means people don't actually have to be driving to receive a DUI. In one case, an individual received a DUI when the vehicle was stopped, the ignition was off, and he was asleep in the driver's seat. The definition is extremely broad. In short, if intoxicated, it's best not to be in a car unless someone else is driving.

DUIs don't come cheap.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office estimates the average first offense costs $7,000-10,000; attorney fees alone cost an average of $2,500-3,500 for a no-injury first offense.

These estimates do not include unique costs for military personnel -- lost rank and career opportunities etc.

Remember, a DUI can result in a minimum one year revocation of base driving privileges for both the driver and the wingman; two year revocations result for refusing a breathalyzer.

With this in mind, please celebrate wisely this holiday season and help your wingman do the same.