Last week I spent 5 days in Sligo, working for a client. My business partner, Mark, was working in Gallway so on Thursday evening we decided to meet halfway for a catch up and a meal. I drove for an hour, met him in the pub and we had a great time putting the world to rights!
We decided to go to a local Chinese restaurant and when the lady came to take our orders, we both opted for a soft drink with our meal. On the drive back to Sligo, I came across a police block and they were stopping everyone, having a chat and then sending them on their way. I thought that something must have happened or they were informing people of something up ahead.
When I got to the policeman, he said hello and I responded, as you do, he then asked me to pull over for a breathalyser, which I did. I must admit my heart was beating quite fast, as I had, had a beer at the pub and was suddenly worried.
Fortunately, the result was negative and I went on my way.
When I told the group, the next day, they told me that the limit in Ireland was 1 pint of beer and anything over that was a fail. I was so glad I chose a soft drink at the meal, even though I was tempted to have a beer with my meal.
Isn’t it crazy how 1 decision can change things. If I had another beer, I would have failed the breathalyser test and been taken to the police station. The car would have been impounded, I probably would have had to get a lift back to the hotel and I am sure I wouldn’t have slept well and I wouldn’t have wanted to face the group in the morning.
The bigger problem would then have hit me – no licence! If I couldn’t drive it would be so difficult to do my work, not impossible, but really tough.
In my past, I have made decisions that have ended up being poor choices and caused me, and others, a lot of pain. I hope that I have learnt from those experiences and now make more informed and wiser choices. Not all choices have such severe consequences but there are a lot that can result in disaster and they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
As Christmas is coming, and the parties have already started, I wonder how many people will make poor decisions when it comes to drink driving. One bad choice can have a big impact on many lives with a ripple affect that can go on for years.
With only 37 days until Christmas, I hope you make great choices that bring amazing results.
Remember, Father Christmas is watching you…..