Drunk Man Makes 10-Year-Old Son His Designated Driver

[Nebulous]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry...c?utm_hp_ref=weird-news&kvcommref=mostpopular

Police say an upstate New York man had his 10-year-old drive his pickup truck while he was sitting in the passenger seat drunk.

The Times Union of Albany reports (http://bit.ly/1JblRYo ) police in the Saratoga County town of Stillwater were contacted by a motorist on Saturday who saw the child driving the truck on Route 9P.

Police say officers pulled over the truck and found that the 10-year-old was behind the wheel while his father, 46-year-old John Barling of Saratoga Springs, was intoxicated in the passenger seat.

Police say the child was picked up by a relative and Barling was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and permitting unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Saratoga County Child Protective Services was contacted by police.

It couldn't be determined if Barling has an attorney who could comment on the charges.

Thoughts?

 

[Thomasss]

This is kind of silly. I am glad no one got hurt, and I am glad the 10 year old actually pulled over instead of freaking out, that could have been worse.

 

[Allenafaith]

This really makes me angry. I don't think I should say anymore than that. 😛

 

[Nebulous]

This is kind of silly. I am glad no one got hurt, and I am glad the 10 year old actually pulled over instead of freaking out, that could have been worse.

Heh yeah, not sure I could have done very well if I was that age. Kudos to him for surviving his dad's drunken antics. I am glad nobody got hurt & hopefully some jail time will teach this "father" a lesson.

 

[Reverie]

Sounds like the kid was taught to do that before. He's probably done it frequently. I mean I was driving out in the country before I was 10, and was relatively good. I do not agree with the guy letting his son drive, but at least the father didn't drive drunk and get someone killed that way. Though I know this was endangering the son, but honestly.... I know many kids who are able to drive so it doesn't bother me as much I guess.

 

[Apoptosis]

It would be fine if the kid's dad was sober and teaching him to drive but for daddy to be drunk and Junior being the designated driver is just ridiculous. Bad parenting right there.

 

[Sapett]

Wow. That is totally irresponsible. I'm glad no one was hurt. I can't wait to see what the court has to say about it.

 

[MrDawn]

Well. At least the kid will be getting his permit early.

 

[Reverse Flash]

It would be fine if the kid's dad was sober and teaching him to drive but for daddy to be drunk and Junior being the designated driver is just ridiculous. Bad parenting right there.

No, that would be okay... at all... he's a 10 year old...