WIBU to call the police?

[loveulotslikejellytots]

I went out last night for a family meal, lots of us there as it was my Brothers 21st Birthday (DB1). Everyone was drinking except DH, we live 20 minutes away, taxi's are too expensive so we always take it in turns to drive.

My Younger Brother (DB2 - not Birthday one!) was drinking all night, from 7pm until he left at 10:30pm, so he'd had at least 4-5 pints. As he got up to leave I asked him how he was getting home, he said he was driving. I told him he was being stupid and asked (in front of everyone, but quietly) why my Mum and Dad weren't trying to stop him or why they hadn't taken his keys off of him when they arrived. My Brother started sulking a usual and walked off, I was told not to make a scene.

This is a regular thing with my Brother, and my parents refuse to do anything about it. The main reason for that is my Dad will also drive home after a night out. His arguement being it's only about a mile (true) and he's been driving for years and never had an accident (also true). But it still doesn't make it ok!!!!!

So I went outside and phoned the non emergency Police number. I gave them all his car details and where he was going. Unfortunately he wasn't pulled over, the police probably didn't have time to see him driving as it is only a short distance home.

My Dad found out that I phoned the police and called me this morning. He's really angry with me and has told me it was "a bit twattish" to do that to my Brother. He also drove home (and had quite a bit to drink) and if I'd known that I would have given them his details too, but I thought they were getting a taxi. He's really angry at me.

I dont think i've done anything wrong here. My Brother will one day either kill himself or god forbid kill someone else. My Dad's lucky he hasn't already, it's pure chance he hasn't been caught either. I just dont understand them, they do this on a regular basis and let it bloody happen!!!! Beside the risk to themselves and other people on the roads etc. my Dad could lose his Job if he lost his licence.

DH and my Nan agree with me, but WIBU and apparently a twat to call the police? To be honest I dont really care if I am, I am just so angry with them all.

YANBU at all but I'm wondering what's your mum's take on this? She told you they were getting a taxi but then got in the car with your dad? Could you get her onside with it?

well done OP - they are deluding themselves, they are fully paid up members of the "but it will never happen to me" brigade

there was no other option and you did exactly what you should have done. shame more people don't do that more often.

YADNBU.

I would do the same and I would tell them as well. I couldn't give a shit if they know I grassed them up to the rozzers - I'd rather do that and keep everyone safe than risk theirs and their potential victims lives.

YANBU in any shape or form.

Your family are grown ups and should take responsibility for their actions, it's not down to you to police them, ferry them around or be the adult in their relationship with alcohol.

999 next time though?

Yanbu. Thing is, it probably will never happen to them. They will happen to some poor innocent sod who gets run over etc.
Drinking and driving is illegal and also morally wrong. You did the right thing. My mother once rang the police when her alcoholic brother decided to drive home drunk after an argument. He was stopped, arrested, and because it wasn't the first time, he had his license removed. He subsequently lost his job because he was unable to drive.
Most of my family blamed my mother, but she wasnt the one who made the choice to break the law.

Birdsgottafly - I would have no problem telling them I'd called them, it was only that my Mum overheard me, I didn't need to tell anyone then.

They have both be asked, begged, pleaded with, lectured, ranted at etc. by various people including me, not to drink and drive. I would have no problem telling them that they deserve to loose their driving license or job, because frankly i'd rather they loose their job than someone else lose a Son, Daughter, parent or friend. I wouldn't have any sympathy and I certainly wouldn't be sorry for doing it.

Kdiddy - I wish I could. She rolls her eyes and tells him he shouldn't be driving while putting her seatbelt on ...

YANBU. If nothing else there should now be an intelligence report with your local police force meaning that if your brothers vehicle comes to their attention for any reason ie. faulty brake light, they'll be aware of this possibility. In my mind this is a no brainer. How disgustingly selfish to imagine they're above the law like this. I 100% applaud your actions.

YWNBU! A drunk driver killed my aunt when she was 3. This was 55 years ago and my Grandparents have never really got over it.

You were not being unreasonable.

Bollocks to family loyalty. You owe a bigger loyalty to the person or people they could end up killing.

My husband used to drive after drinking. I tried reasoning with him but he wouldn't have it that sleeping in the car for a couple of hours before driving would still see him over the limit.

So I told him that I would phone the police if he did it and I hoped they threw the book at him.

family 'loyalty' v the possibility of someone losing their life

no contest,really.

YANBU I would have done the same.

YADNBU. And I applaud you for standing your ground - it can be incredibly difficult in these situations, when it is members of your family involved and others seem able to turn a blind eye to it.

My mum once used her car to block my sister's bf in her driveway when he was off his face drunk, and wanted to drive home. He actually managed to drive over the side of the driveway and over this piece of rough ground to get out She was just about to call the police, but he had the sense to come back and gave mum his car keys.

YANBU at all

i am sadly not surprised that your dad does - how old is he? I think there is a generational thing about it - and if questioned they get defensive as if you are questioning their driving skills

Op, well done

Massive well done OP. You did the right thing. Give the police both their reg numbers and addresses.

YA so so so NBU, OP. I have absolutely no tolerance for drunk driving. In fact, I believe that there should be no legal limit, the limit should be zero. My uncle was killed by a drunk driver at 18, my Grandparents have never fully recovered from it.

You were absolutely right. Please continue to report your brother and father every time you witness them get behind the wheel when drunk. You could well save a life, or several.

YWDNBU! Well done!