Senior Edition

2006

 

 

 News Headlines

     Dangerous situations
      can be avoided with
      enhanced  awareness

     Remmeter Plans to
     continue  education at
     college level

     Upholding the law

     International
     Baccalaureate program
     to be impletmented

     inBrief

 

 

  Upholding the law

Staff reporter recounts her ride along with Trooper Jeff Jayne,
       dispels several alcohol consumption misconconceptions

In the midst of a socitey abundant with alcohol. drugs, and all the infamous glamour entailed, many involved lack the knowledge of their potentail consequences, or the lack thereof they potentially face.
In a recent ride along with Trooper Jeff Jayne, an Idaho State Police Officer, I witnessed first hand the extremeties of the local system. 
“We’re heading out to Hope,” Jayne said as we left the sheriff station.  He had heard through an earlier traffic stop that a wedding was taking place in the vacinity and that indeed became his main destination point thereafter for the night. 
The night was full of tedious traffic stops, all for the purpose of stopping a driver under the influence.  New radar now allows officers to read a car’s speed from almost any angle...inclluding traffica ahead, traffic behing, oncoming traffic, and oncoming traffic that has already passed.
From dark cars on the side of the road, to suburbans passing illegally, Jayne intentaionally watched for any legitamate reason to pull over a car.  According to him, it is the little mistakes that disclose the most DUI arrests. Once pulled over, whether the driver was aware or not, Jayne purposelly, yet nonchalantly searched for the signs of a drunk.
 “Do you mind if I have a look at your eyes?” was the question I heard multiple times throughout the night when drivers didn’t quite seem up to par.
As I sat in the dark car, listening to the recording of every converstion taking shape before me,  it was intriguing to watch a spectrum of events unfold.  Scenarios of an older couple forgetting to turn their headlights on, or a 15 year  holding a rifle in his lap were apparently nothing out of the ordinary.
Although I will admit I was a little shocked when Jayne turned on his lights and pulled over a truck which lacked to use its turning indicator. 
“Boy you smell like marijuana,” Jayne said as he stood in front of that same driver minutes later.
This particular driver’s one mistake landed him and his passenger in jail that night for posession of marijuana which constituted “almost a felony amount.”
My photographer and I watched from the car with the window rolled down as the two accused sat on the guard rail while their truck was being thoroughly seached.  Their glazed eyes glared piercingly at us through the absent window.
Trooper Jayne, who is acknowledged to be the most aggressive cop against drunk driving in the area, makes around 5-7 DUI arrests per weekend.
“It’s just a phenomenon for night sifts,” Jayne said.
According to Jayne, a DUI, or “driving under the influence,” is not limited to alcohol abuse only.  It includes any kind of drug or any other substance inhibiting a driver’s ability.  In fact, in the past a young boy was caught driving after drinking an excessive amount of caffeine, and was convicted of a DUI because his driving abilities had been severely influenced at the time.
“It’s [DUI] not exclusive to alcohol,” Jayne said, “You would think that our aggressiveness would deter drivers.”
 In the midst of the excitement of the ride along, I had the intentions of clearing up a few misconceptions many students have when it comes to the grey areas of drinking.  On the behalf of designated drivers, unless it is clear the individual is about to consume alcohol, they will not be accused of an MIP (Minor in Possession) if present at a party with the purpose of driving others home.
Also, there is a confidentiality policy all hospitals must heed when dealing with patients.  If an individual is brought in under the influence and is in need of treatment, no accusations are made, no questions are asked...and the situation is kept private.  This is established in order to ensure people with alcohol poisoning, and so on do not refuse treatment in fear of consequences or repercussions.
It is ludicrous to see how our world is effected by the stupidity of individuals choosing to drive under the influence.  Fortunately there are courageous and respectable people such as Trooper Jeff Jayne who fight daily against the tendencies of such individuals.  It is incredible to bear witness to such an extreme of mentalities within our community.  It is pertinent for us to step up and take responsibility for our actions and to be aware of our potential in society.