If you are craving a cheeseburger and fries, make sure that you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs before heading off to McDonald's. A large amount of DUI cases have shown that fast food workers are on the lookout for DUI offenders, and have special tactics to get the cops involved.
If you pull through a drive through with alcohol on your breath or a glazed look in your eyes, many fast food employees will immediately call the cops. Anyone who orders their food with slurred speech is also subject to suspicion. Because drive-thrus are often open late into the night, they attract a great number of late-night drinkers out on the road. If you seem suspicious, these workers will telephone the local police station, and then politely stall your order while they are waiting for the cops to arrive. Most workers have been instructed to say that your food will take a bit longer than normal, and will ask you to pull to the front of the restaurant and wait. While the employees take their time with your order, the cops will come and issue your blood and breath tests.
On January 3, 2012, in Chicago, a man was arrested with a DUI when he fell asleep in a McDonald's drive thru. An employee went to check on the stationary car, which was holding up the line, and found the driver sound asleep with an open container of tequila. In another instance last December, a South Carolina man consumed three cans of beer before hopping in his car to satisfy a Big Mac craving. When he arrived at the local McDonald's, he rear ended the car in front of him in line. When asked what time it was, the man was two hours off. He was hauled away in a cop car within a matter of minutes. It doesn't always take a serious accident in order to create a DUI suspicion. McDonald's, Taco Bells, Burger Kings and other fast food stores are actively on the lookout for anyone who has been drinking too much to be behind the wheel.
In some cases in the past, police officers have gone undercover, posing as late-night fast-food employees to catch the alcohol abusers. In Vancouver, British Columbia, project WULF (which stands for Would You Like Fries) has become a popular tactic to catch hundreds of drunk drivers hoping for a midnight snack. A similar operation was conducted in Pima County, Arizona in 2009. A police sergeant involved in that operation states that the cops were looking for any drivers with slurred speech, watery, red or glazed eyes, and alcohol on their breath.
A few tips to avoid a drive-thru DUI are as follows. First of all, steer clear of driving while intoxicated. Many people will classify driving after drinking as an "everybody does it" offense, but it can become a serious issue if you are arrested. If you are out late and drinking, it is always best to have a sober friend drive you home or use public transportation, such as a taxi. Even, however, if you haven't been drinking, keep in mind that if you are pulling through a drive-thru late at night, you should make sure that you watch your behavior. In some circumstances, even just fatigue can lead to them suspecting you of driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. This could lead to them alerting police who could arrive and perform chemical tests. To avoid this, make sure that you are alert and polite to avoid possible suspicion; by watching your behavior and making sure you avoid driving while drunk, you will be able to navigate the dangers of the drive-thru so that you can get your food and make your way home safely.