Drunk driving is a very, very serious issue. I think we all can agree on that. Drunk drivers make the roads dangerous not only for themselves, but for everyone on the roads with them. I do not condone drunk driving in any way, shape, or form. Okay, now that I have gotten that out of the way, the new anti-drunk driving campaign in Utah may be the dumbest thing I have ever heard.
The campaign centers around a phony business, which is ALWAYS a great idea, isn't it? A "former drunk driver" urges people who think they could possibly land in the clink because of a D.U.I to call 1-877-JAIL-FON (well, it isn't Utah without cute spelling) and practice their one call to a loved one. It goes on and on about how hard it is to make that call, and how anyone who thinks they might have to make one should call and practice.
Oh, it gets better.
The Utah Highway Patrol, along with several businesses, have actually set up such a phone line. Callers can pick if they want to talk to their "Mom," or "Dad," or "significant other." Then they get to have a conversation with a recording. Yeah, because there is nothing like a robocall to make a person rethink bad decisions they may make in the future. Because, here's the thing, while those call made be hard to make, a key piece is missing -- they are made from jail. Unless the person "practicing" has a 300 pound friend pretending to be a cellmate licking their lips nearby, it is hardly going to be an accurate simulation.
Really, who thought this up? I am guessing someone who knows a number of voice over actors who needed a gig. Because they couldn't have thought this would actually cut down on drunk driving. I mean, it might if frat boys are too busy calling to have funny fake conversations with their "Moms" to go out drinking. Or if the UHP tracks those who call in and then follow them to make sure they are driving sober. Other than that though, I don't see the point.
Ah, my tax dollars at work. And the recession is why we are facing a budget shortfall?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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10 comments:
Glad to see they are putting their brains to good use...oh wait never mind.
Uh, wow. I don't even have words for this, and that almost never happens.
I'm assuming you've been practicing already??? I'd call Meg.
I think I'll go practice that phone call now, you never know when you might end up in the clink. Remind me to tell Mea where my secret stash of cash is, so she can bail me out of jail.
That is REALLY dumb.
Just. Wow.
Oh, at first I thought you were talking about "drink-'n'-dial" which is also very dangerous. But not as dangerous as "drink-'n'-text". That can get you in big trouble.
Ellie
That is absolutely ridiculous.
Wow. I thought our state came up with all the really stupid ideas to waste money. Looks like yours is trying very hard to outdo us. :)
The logic escapes me... But, maybe it's a Utah thing? Or, not.
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