In 30 years as a police officer, I gave field sobriety tests to many, many, people who admitted drinking. They passed the test and didn’t get arrested. If they refused the tests, in the old days, they were usually arrested and transported based on officer observations.

In Idaho (might be wrong but wasn’t that were the dui was) he would then be read an advisory and given the opportunity to take or refuse a breath test. Refusal to take that, meant a 180 day mandatory license suspension, separate from any criminal consequences. The driver can ask for a blood test- they seldom do but we had officers trained as phlebotomists who could draw blood. Most people don’t opt for the blood test because that can also be used to test for other drugs. They still get booked for the DUI pending the bac result on a blood test. An officer can also opt for a blood test if they suspect it is drugs not alcohol causing the intoxication. In Idaho, you can also do a blood draw forcibly if it is an aggravated dui- injured or killed someone.

Now, many police departments have portable breath testing machines in the cars so the test can be offered at the scene. Below the legal limit, you mostly walk (can vary if there are other circumstances) Refuse, your booked. Fail, you’re hooked.

Sad truth is that intoxicated drivers often injure and kill people. And, in my experience, no one ever gets caught the first time they drive under the influence so I doubt this was the first time the coach had put others in danger. As serious as they seem, the U.S. has some of the most lenient dui laws in the developed world. They need to be much more strict.