I am not known for being a great driver. If you have passenged with me, you probably have experienced fear. So, I am not that concerned when I see a little bit of crazy driving from others.

However, last night was an exception. My wife and kids and I were coming home from my parent’s house and a car pulled out of the local bar in front of us. As this little black Honda proceeded around the next corner it did so with much difficulty. From the white line to the yellow back to the white and beyond, the car hit the dirt on the shoulder and then proceeded to correct and maintain, but with much difficulty. It didn’t take scientific rocket building mind to figure out what was going on—perhaps a high BAC was to blame.

As we followed the next few miles (with cautious distance) the driving didn’t improve and my wife was preparing the digits for an emergency call, once our phone reached cell service (my parents live in the woods). We followed the speeding up and slowing down swervyness for about 15 minutes and then phoned in the tip to the local authorities (I don’t know about other states but this is highly encouraged in California). My wife hung up with dispatch after being assured that a police unit would be sent.

We followed for another 10 minutes and sure enough, at the first intersection that we came to there was an officer, lights off and waiting. The next morning I got a voice mail from the officer that made the stop. He thanked us for the call and informed us that the individual was indeed intoxicated.

Like I said, I am not one to freak out over a little swerving here and there, since I am as guilty as any, but when it’s so obvious that someone is about to be killed by someone who most definitely shouldn’t be on the road, that’s a little different. It seems unquestionable that we did the right thing. Would you make the call? Does your state encourage the 911 call for suspected substance abuse?