Video Transcript Notes

Experiment Introduction

  • A group of girls is put in scenarios to test their reactions to impaired drivers.

First Scenario: Marijuana

  • Girls leave school and get into an SUV with a driver who has been smoking pot.
  • Natalie Morales (Dateline NBC) questions the girls about their decision to get in the car with an impaired driver.
  • The girls admit they didn't think it through.
  • More than 30% of teens don't realize smoking pot impairs driving skills.
  • Parenting expert Michelle Borba advises parents to educate their kids early and consistently, using real-world examples.
  • She suggests using news articles or internet searches to show the consequences of drug-related car crashes.

Second Scenario: Alcohol

  • A new group of teens is introduced: Shani, Christina, and Jordan.
  • This time, the actor, Joe, claims to be drinking, and an accomplice, Lauren, supports this claim.
  • Dr. Robert Teresi (Penn State, MADD consultant) provides statistics: 1 in 5 males will drink and drive, and teen drinking/driving kills 1500 people a year.
  • Christina's mom hopes her daughter will call her instead of getting in the car with a drunk driver.
  • Jordan's mom expects her daughter to refuse a ride from an impaired driver.
  • Johnny's dad emphasizes the importance of being strong and walking away from such situations.
  • The actor makes it obvious he's been drinking, mentioning "shots" and a "buzz."
  • Jordan appears uncomfortable.
  • The producer gives the actor the keys to an SUV.
  • Christina and Jordan protest, expressing their discomfort but still get in the car.

Parental Reactions

  • Parents express disappointment and fear as they watch their children get in the car with the drunk actor.
  • Jordan removes her shoulder strap, increasing the risk.
  • The girls return and are confronted by their parents and Natalie Morales.
  • Jordan explains she thought it was okay because the producer told the actor to drive.
  • Christina admits it was an oversight to think he was just kidding.

Expert Analysis

  • Dr. Robert Teresi explains that teens shouldn't be making judgments about someone's intoxication.
  • He emphasizes the higher risk when young, inexperienced drivers combine driving with drinking.
  • He notes that peer pressure likely influenced the teens' decision.
  • He advises parents to improve communication skills, monitor their kids, and disapprove of risky behaviors.

Third Scenario: Resistance to Peer Pressure

  • This time, an actor, known as Joe, will refuse to get in the car with the drunk driver.
  • New teens are introduced: Kimbia and Josh.
  • Kimbia's mom hopes the previous car accident where the driver had been drinking was a lesson for her. She reinforces the message to never get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
  • Josh's mom believes her charismatic leader, Josh, will know what to do.
  • The actor claims he was drinking before, and Kimiya recognizes he's impaired.
  • When the producer picks the actor to drive, Kimbia and Josh get up without hesitation.
  • Joe announces he's not getting in the car and will meet them there.
  • He walks away alone.

Parental and Expert Reactions

  • Parents express shock and deflation at their children's choices.
  • The moms confront their children, emphasizing the dangerousness of the situation.
  • Joe, who lost his best friend in a drunk driving accident, shares his story.
  • Josh admits he wasn't paying attention and didn't think it through.
  • The expert emphasizes the need for open communication between parents and teens about drinking and driving.

Fourth Scenario: Another Drunk Driving Scenario

  • A scenario is presented where the girls try finding a solution.
  • Though suggested being close and safe, Taylor and Nicole stand strong from pressure.

Real-Life Consequences and Statistics

  • Personal Responsibility: A speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing one's limits and being prepared to enforce those limits in uncomfortable situations.
  • A person remembers the accident from her mother losing her brother.
  • Speed and Alcohol: Alcohol impairs the ability to track speed, which leads to accidents.
  • Legal Consequences:
    • First offense of drinking and driving can result in up to 2.5 years in prison.
    • Third offense can lead to an 8-year license suspension, in addition to prison time.
  • Factors Affecting Blood Alcohol Content (BAC):
    • Amount of alcohol consumed.
    • Body weight.
    • Whether food has been consumed.
    • Minor variations in processing speed (negligible for significant alcohol consumption).
  • Only Time Eliminates Alcohol: Time is the only factor to eliminate alcohol from the blood.
  • Legal BAC Limits:
    • Over 21: 0.08
    • Under 21: 0.02 (allowing for medications like NyQuil or mouthwash).
  • Standard Drink Sizes:
    *12 oz beer = 1 oz shot.
  • Possession of Alcohol (Under 21): Even without driving, possession of alcohol under 21 can result in the loss of a driver's license.

"The Heart Truth" Presentation

  • A presentation uses graphic photographs to show the physical carnage of drunk driving crashes.
  • A victim is the first component of heart truth telling in starkness what it feels like to be the victim of a drunk driver.
  • Kristen's Story: A girl was injured when her intoxicated boyfriend crashed the car; she lost the heel of her foot due to degloving.
  • Mike Povaromo's Story: He drove drunk, crashed the car, and killed two friends; he now speaks about his experience.
  • Debbie Pacific's Story: Her sister Nancy was killed by a drunk driver who was driving at 98.8 miles per hour causing her to flip three times and be thrown out of her car. The impact of the crash made Debbie lost a part of her parents that day.
  • Doctor Mittleman is one of the speakers and is an emergency department physician that pronounces people who have died. He speaks about having to tell people that their family has died.
  • Jackie Saburrito's Story: An exchange student was severely burned and disfigured after a drunk driver hit the car she was in; the speaker describes the horrific scene and her determination to learn English.
  • Reggie Steffey is also a speaker who mentions the trial and that he caused it all to another human being.

Operating Under the Influence (OUI) / Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

  • Definition: OUI and DUI are the same, but OUI is broader, covering any vehicle (boats, snowmobiles, etc.).
  • Tests for Intoxication:
    • Field Sobriety Test: Subjective judgment by the officer.
    • Breathalyzer: Analyzes alcohol in breath.
    • Blood Test: Conducted at the station by a trained medical professional.
  • Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): Percentage of alcohol in the blood; 0.08 is the legal limit in the U.S.
  • Massachusetts Law:
    • Refusal of Field Sobriety Test: Allowed.
    • Implied Consent: By obtaining a driver's license, consent is given for a breathalyzer test.
    • Refusal of Breathalyzer Test: Immediate license loss.
    • Refusal of Chemical Test (Blood Test): Immediate loss of driving privileges.
  • Penalties for Refusal (First Offense): 180-day license suspension.
  • Repeat Offenses: Longer license suspensions (3 years for second, 5 years for third, permanent for fourth).
  • Suspension Hearing: Only arguable points are: 1) officer lacked reasonable grounds, 2) no arrest, 3) no refusal of breathalyzer.
  • Melanie's Law (2005): Designed to strengthen penalties for OUI.
  • Additional Penalties:
    • OUI with a child under 14 in the car.
    • Causing injury or death while OUI.
    • Multiple OUI offenses lead to vehicle forfeiture.
    • Allowing someone with a suspended license due to OUI to operate your vehicle leads to increased penalties.
  • Ignition Interlock Device: Required for second or subsequent OUI offenses; a breathalyzer installed in the car; costs around $150 installation, plus $50-$150 monthly service fee.
  • Junior Operator (Under 18) Arrested for OUI and Refusing Chemical Test: Three-year plus one-year suspension.

Drugs and Driving

  • Prescription Drugs and OUI: Can be charged with OUI while on legal prescription or over-the-counter drugs if they impair driving ability.
  • Drug Offenses: Conviction of a drug offense can result in the loss of driving privileges.
  • Marijuana and Driving:
    • Marijuana is legal in Massachusetts for people 21 and over.
    • Every state that legalized marijuana witnessed an increase in crashes involving operating under the influence.
    • Driving Tests While Stoned: Heavy users were severely impaired and showed driving with no restraint.
  • Illegal Drugs: Stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens all impair driving ability.
  • Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs: New prescriptions should be tested when you know you won't have to driving.