As a travel we use public transport a lot and we often hire cars as well. We’re also prone to the odd drink. I’m very much against any form of drink driving out there and recommend not even to have one beer when you drive. Here’s a recent case study on a car crash and a DUI offence which should be a lesson for you all. Lawyers commonly explain that those individuals arrested for their second, third, or even fourth DUI clearly have not learned from their mistakes. Apparently the risk of killing themselves or others, as well as the increasing criminal penalties, court costs, and legal fees are not the proper deterrent. Enter comedian, Tom Mabe. Mabe recently posted a video on YouTube of a prank he pulled on a friend who had been charged with his fifth, that’s right, fifth DUI, in the hopes that, while it would provide comedic relief, it would instill a sense of reality on his friend and the audience.

Never ever drink and drive – backpacking tips for the road.

A “Different” Approach to DUI Deterrence

The video shows an elaborate prank on an individual, only identified as “Dennis,” who had recently been arrested for his fifth DUI offense. After Dennis had allegedly passed out behind the wheel of his pickup truck, Mabe had him transported to a staged hospital room. When Dennis woke up, a doctor, played by co-comedian Jim Clark, informed him that he had been in a coma for 10 years following a DUI-related car crash caused by Dennis. Mabe even hired a nurse and filmed fake news segments that elaborated on “current” events from the future which played in the background. After the prank is revealed, Dennis laughs it off; however, Mabe concludes the prank by exclaiming, “It’s not funny. You could’ve lost a daughter. Ten years wasted away here.”

There is speculation that this prank was staged with the hope of drawing media attention, however, whether it was staged or real, the message is clear: Do not drink and drive.

DUI Lawyers Explain the Serious Undertone

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 10,000 people died in drunk-driving accidents throughout 2012. That is a staggering statistic which needs as much attention as possible. While Mabe’s “prank” was facially a comedic stunt, it had a very serious undertone which hits home for many.

At the drop of a hat, those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can negatively impact countless individuals for life. Major consequences include death, serious bodily injury, property damage and criminal arrests. The friends and family members of victims or the DUI offender often have to deal with the emotional impact of these consequences. Mabe goes one step further and narrows his attention on those individuals who cannot learn from their prior mistakes of getting behind the wheel after imbibing and do so more than once.

While on one hand this prank is comedic gold, drawing in over one million views the first day it was posted, on the other hand, it is an effective public service announcement making people think differently of the potentially negative effects of subsequent DUI offenses.

Potential Consequences for Multiple DUI Offenses

As stated above, subsequent DUI offenders clearly are not dissuaded by the potential legal consequences of a second, third, or in Dennis’ case, fifth DUI offense. That being said, many offenders are not even aware of the potentially severe increase in penalties. Experienced DUI lawyers frequently explain that many states, including Pennsylvania, have tiered penalties for DUI offenses; meaning that the more times in individual is arrested for DUI, the harsher his or her penalties will be.

In Pennsylvania, for example, with no prior DUI offenses and being arrested for the highest rate of DUI (.16% or higher Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)), an individual faces an ungraded misdemeanor, a 12 month license suspension, 72 hours – 6 months in prison, a $1,000 – $5,000 fine, alcohol highway safety school, and other treatment if ordered by the court. However, with the same BAC, an individual arrested for DUI with 2 or more prior DUI offenses face a 1st degree misdemeanor, an 18 month license suspension, 1-5 years in prison, a $2,500-$10,000 fine, a 1-year ignition interlock, as well as alcohol highway safety school, and other treatment if ordered by the court.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that Mabe’s prank was a comedic jab at a serious issue plaguing this country. The fact that an individual is not deterred from making the same mistake of getting behind the wheel after drinking is concerning and any public service announcement on the topic, whether serious or comedic, should be praised.

Guys seriously – cut the crap – cut the joking around and never ever drink and drive. I’m glad to have shared this post with you today which comes from a friend of mine.

Alex Magid, Esquire is a Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer at The Martin Law Firm, P.C., located in Blue Bell, PA. Attorney Magid provides legal representation in the areas of DUI and criminal defense as well as wills, trusts, and estates. Alex is a graduate of Penn State University, where he earned his degree in Crime, Law & Justice. To read more of Attorney Magid’s work, please visit www.jbmartinlaw.com/blog.