A Small Serving of my Insanity

I am currently at work, where I have been since 7.30AM — an entire half-hour before anyone else arrives at 8.00AM. Why, you may ask?

I currently do not have a vehicle and am at the mercy of others to drive me places when it is most convenient for them. I am blessed to have people in my life that are willing to provide such means; I know several people in a similar situation that do not have this same luxury. So, where's the car?

Approximately a month ago, I totaled my vehicle. I hit a guard rail head on. I was on my way to day three of three at a DUI school. Needless to say, I did not make it to class and, subsequently, this forfeited my first two days. I would be required to attend class at another point in time; the entire three days. To make matters worse, I had just received a letter from the Department of Safety notifying me that my license had been revoked. This stems from a June 2006 arrest in which I was found to be driving under the influence. I was in a rental car my previous employer paid for; a car that I had chosen not to additionally insured through the rental agency. This occurred on my drive back home from a work-related convention at approximately 7.45PM EDT. Actually, scratch that. I promised I would be completely honest in this blog and I intend to stand by my words. I wasn't going home — at least not yet. As I was driving, it occurred to me that it would be a great idea to drive to Atlanta to pick up some more Heroin, as I had run out that morning. So, after changing directions, I get off at an exit just past the border of Georgia. It was there that I drove into a gas station parking lot in an attempt to make use of a nearby pay phone. Normally I would use my cellular phone for this but I had recently lost coverage due to non-payment. My plan was to call my then connect to make advance arrangements for a deal. This would give him approximately an hour-and-a-half to be ready. I did not make it to the pay phone, much less Atlanta.

En route to the phone I collide into a parked car; actually, two of them. I seemed to think I could maneuver between two cars parked at opposing gas pumps. I was wrong. Flat out wrong. I side-swiped both vehicles.

I jump out to assess the situation and to ensure that no one is injured. The police are called to make a formal accident report. I had no idea what was about to happen next.

At the time of the accident, I thought that I was completely coherent and able to operate a motor vehicle. I was wrong. I now realize that my ever-increasing tolerance had fooled me into thinking all was well. While I may not have had severe mental impairment, I was about to learn how physically impaired I was.

An officer arrives. Instantly, I begin to feel uneasy around him. He gave off that air of arrogance that so many officers do. He asked for permission to search my vehicle. I complied, knowing that there wasn't anything incriminating in it. During this time another police officer arrives. He immediately sized me up as driving under the influence. He had me go through a series of field-sobriety tests. He did not officially inform me of my competency, but the hand cuffs secured the deal. I then knew that I would be spending (at least) a night in jail.

Since I had not been drinking (something I do not partake in), they were unable to assess my impairment by way of a breathalyzer. Instead a blood test was performed. The results only further confirmed their suspicions: I had opiates (Heroin) in my system.

That night, I sat in a jail cell unable to sleep. I was preoccupied with the impending withdrawal syndrome, not to mention the fearful questions running through my mind. What if my employer found out about the car accident? What if they knew I was detained?

I made a collect phone call to my mother at approximately 11.00AM the next morning. Beginning to tear up, I told her what had happened and all of the circumstances surrounding it. Due to my being arrested twice before she, at first, told me that there was nothing she could do. As it turns out, she did post my bond. In a later conversation, I was told this was done not because she loved or felt sorry for me, but because I had wrecked a rental car — now impounded — that was to be turned back in the following day. To this day she will continually remind me that my chances are up. That if I am ever incarcerated again — for whatever reason — she will not be my savior.

As I was exiting the jail, all I could think about was Heroin. I was in the early stages of withdrawal and with each passing moment I became more and more uncomfortable. I get a ride to where the rental car had been towed to and briefly consider my choices. I did the right thing and headed home. This was likely the only time — up to that moment — that I had ever turned my back to Heroin.

After hiring an attorney for my pending court case, I made the choice to request a continuance. This happened two or three times before I had the nerve to face my punishment.

I arrive at the courthouse and locate my attorney. He gave me a list of options ranging from two days in jail to fines, community service and more.

I got lucky and made out without having to serve additional jail time, yet I did have a $2,500 fine in addition to 40 hours of community service and one year of probation.

This was back in April 2007. It has now been around six months. I have completed my community service and just completed the requisite DUI school (taking a total of five days to complete a three day course).

Regarding the car: it was a 2004 Honda Civic Si. For the type of impact, the car held together amazingly well. I sustained only bruised lungs. I am so very thankful for the second chance I was granted. Someone was — indeed — watching down on me that day.

In a strange way, the wreck worked in my favor. It was a leased vehicle that was approximately 11,000 miles over the limit with over six months until the end of the contract. The car also contained two major spots of body damage that had been estimated to cost nearly $2,000 to fix each. One spot was my fault, totally. I was extremely high and nodded off at the wheel. Moments later, I awoke to a loud crashing noise; it turns out that I hit a barrier while on the freeway. Luckily this did not involve any other vehicles or (UGH!) construction workers. The other spot was a hit and run while I was parked. I received very little money for both instances, but it didn't matter any way. I spent the entire insurance amount on Heroin. So, to wrap up, I got out of a $9,700 liability; insurance paid off Honda Financial which relieved me of having to make arrangements to purchase it myself. I guess it could have been turned in, but who wants to pay for the astronomical damage estimates and the extra mileage?

Now I wait in fear of what my nearing court date may bring. I will keep you posted.