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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

(Some!) older peoples attitudes to drink driving.

89 replies

CocoDeMoll · 09/12/2018 11:14

I suppose I’m not being unreasonable but I worry this time of year. Where I used to live I barely drive at all because it was a city but now I’m driving every day with my 2 dc it worries me. I often do the same evening journey with them and the amount of times I’ve been behind a car that’s obviously weaving a bit and not indicating etc. There is a big generational divide on the ‘I’ve only had a few’ attitude. My own dad is the worst and Im surprised he’s never been stopped for it. I’m ashamed to say I let him drive me and my dcs earlier this year newborn in my arms and dd on someone’s lap thinking he wasn’t over the limit (till he mounted the curb twice and it became clear). I used to work in a gastro pub and people of a certain age would happily down a skinful with food and think it was then ok to drive. I want to stress that NAOPALT but there’s definetly a diffeeence in attitude.

Do you think a campaign is needed especially this time of year aimed at 60+ year olds? Just want to stress for the third time that I know not all but from what I’ve seen many do have a different attitude to it.

OP posts:

echt · 09/12/2018 11:19

I think you need a larger sample to make your point worth making.

My experience tells me every other fucker on the road is mad. So there.

cheesywotnots · 09/12/2018 11:20

People of all ages should be told not to drink and drive and be prosecuted regardless of their age. Older people are not exempt from the law. Don't get into the car with your dad if he's been drinking, report him and anyone else to the police if you know they are drinking and driving.

TooTrueToBeGood · 09/12/2018 11:24

I think you need to sort out yourself before you start worrying about public campaigning or targetting the older generations.

ashamed to say I let him drive me and my dcs earlier this year newborn in my arms and dd on someone’s lap thinking

Being ashamed doesn't even begin to cover that nugget, and that's without even considering that the driver was a known drink-driver.

LilMy33 · 09/12/2018 11:26

I don’t think it’s one specific age group that’s a problem. I think it’s more some people are good, safe competent drivers and other people are selfish, arrogant ones who think the rules don’t or shouldn’t apply to them.

Sunnysidegold · 09/12/2018 11:27

You were in a car with a new born in your arms and your other child on someone's lap? Was this in the 1970s?! No one I know would even think this is ok. And that's before you take into account the kerb mounting.

Some people have v weird attitudes to drink driving but I don't think it is age related necessarily. More related to how much of an idiot they are.

cancla · 09/12/2018 11:27

You are as big an idiot as he is.

Baby in arms and child on lap

FFS

BertrandRussell · 09/12/2018 11:29

Yes of course, no young people ever drink and drive. True fact.

Alfie190 · 09/12/2018 11:30

No I don't think there should be an ad aimed at 60 year olds, should be aimed at everyone. In Australia, they double the demerit points at Christmas and other times of the year.

I also think you have little room to talk when you have travelled in a car with a new born in arms and a child on somebody's lap!

PurpleDaisies · 09/12/2018 11:31

This isn’t an age specific issue. Some people (aka arseholes) think drink driving is ok. I don’t know why you think it’s limited to 60+.

You were totally unreasonable and beyond selfish to get in a car with someone you knew to be a drunk driver with your children, especially given the lack of appropriate car seats.

Original poster

CocoDeMoll · 09/12/2018 11:31

Of course young people do. I just know of far less that would think it’s acceptable than an otherwise responsible older person.

Yes, letting my Dad drive us like that was a dick move. I know that.

OP posts:

CoughLaughFart · 09/12/2018 11:31

I do think you have a point OP. It worries me how much my dad will have to drink and still drive. Whereas most people I know of my age won’t even have one if they’re driving.

cancla · 09/12/2018 11:32

Yes, letting my Dad drive us like that was a dick move. I know that.

Letting anyone drive you like that would be a dick move.

Original poster

CocoDeMoll · 09/12/2018 11:34

cough same. I’m friends with some big drinkers but always from teens to now In our thirties we sort of transport or designated drivers

OP posts:

Original poster

CocoDeMoll · 09/12/2018 11:35

sort out transport

OP posts:

Houseonahill · 09/12/2018 11:36

I have an hour commute on a dual carriageway and always notice people weaving around, changing lane last second coz they nearly miss their exit etc. And it's nearly always people on the phone is you look as you pass them. Maybe they aren't drunk at all?

itsnowthewaitinggame · 09/12/2018 11:36

I wouldn’t care if it was my 80 year old Dad, my 50 year old friend or 30 year old daughter. If I knew someone was drink driving I’d contact the police with their registration number. To know and not to do something about it let alone actually go in the car with them is almost as bad as drink drivers are. I love a drink and have been drinking for 30 years. I can say hand on heart I have never ever driven after even as much as a mouthful of alcohol. So OP I’m of the age you’re discussing I think and I’ve got many friends who feel just as I do.

PurpleDaisies · 09/12/2018 11:37

I’m friends with some big drinkers but always from teens to now In our thirties we sort of transport or designated drivers

You’ve already said you were driven home with no car seats by a drunk drinker. You can’t claim you always sort out transport home...

LoniceraJaponica · 09/12/2018 11:37

I think you have a point as well, but I think it is more likely to be 70 -75+. I am 60 and not drinking and driving has always been drummed into me ever since I can remember.

Drink driving campaigns should target all drivers regardless of age.

Birdie6 · 09/12/2018 11:38

I’m ashamed to say I let him drive me and my dcs earlier this year newborn in my arms and dd on someone’s lap thinking he wasn’t over the limit

You've got to be kidding.

Doodlekitty · 09/12/2018 11:40

My PIL are very guilty of this too. Their attitude is that they are safe drivers and a few pints/glasses of wine doesn't change that. Thay are terrible drivers when sober, nevermind drunk. But they can't see any issue with it despite some heated rows.
I have, once, reported them for drink driving. Dh was not very happy but I was foaming thinking they could easily destroy someone's life. Nothing came of it.

To be fair they are a bit better with it since grandkids came along, and they would never do it if they had kids in the car. But in a way that makes it worse, like my kids matter but the ones in the (theoretical) car they hit don't.

I'm at a loss what to do about it.

LoniceraJaponica · 09/12/2018 11:42

Quite frankly I'm surprised the hospital allowed this. Round here an HCP accompanies you to the car and makes sure your baby is securely fastened in a proper car seat.

Original poster

CocoDeMoll · 09/12/2018 11:43

It was after a family meet up, newborn was about 4 weeks not straight out of hospital!

OP posts:

maras2 · 09/12/2018 11:44

60 plus is my and my peers age group.
No one including DH and me drink/drive.
No one I know would be so irresponsible and stupid to be driven by a drunk driver and would certainly never travel with a baby on our lap and child not in a car seat.
You should have a word with yourself

cancla · 09/12/2018 11:45

newborn was about 4 weeks not straight out of hospital

That makes a difference how?

PurpleDaisies · 09/12/2018 11:45

It was after a family meet up, newborn was about 4 weeks not straight out of hospital!

Because that makes all the difference to how likely they are die if not properly strapped in to a car seat?

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