That line can become quickly blurred if something bad happens.

If your actions kill another person you don't need to be legally drunk, merely being under the influence changes an "accident" to vehicular homicide in a blink of an eye. I have a good friend who knows that first hand.

 

The whole problem with having a few is that you are not alone on that road. This guy is lucky it was only a broken arm. He could have smashed a pedestrian or crash into a carload of little old ladies. As for me, it is one beer to be sociable and then I move on to water. If someone tries too call me out, I don't care. I'm doing everything it takes to get home in one piece.

 

Not sure I'd want to ride with someone who's been drinking.

 

Very true, but it can only take one drink to impair judgment and reactions. Especially if it's hot, or there is little food in the stomach. Most people are unaware of their impairment until it becomes obvious (drunk).

 

I used to drink and ride, but I only drank on special occasions, like the grand opening of a pack of cigarettes. Paid a heavy price too; I figure I must of been allergic to alcohol 'cause every time I drank, I broke out in handcuffs.


Pain is the great teacher and if your buddy is anything like I was, he is probably going to need a few more lessons; I hope he, and anyone else around him, lives through those lessons.


Good thing it was just a busted arm this time; although, a few years down the road it'll remind him of that evening, especially when it's cold and raining.

Good luck to you and him.