Boot Slappin D-Wie

Boot Slappin D-Wie

As the summer sun heats up and the lakes fill with laughter, there's an ever-present shadow cast by the dangers of impaired driving. Far too many joyous outings end in tragedy because someone chose to drive under the influence. Our law enforcement community feels this impact acutely—each injury and loss among our ranks is a sobering reminder of the risks we face and the responsibilities we carry.

Picture the scene: a routine patrol on a golden evening, when vigilance becomes the thin line between safety and disaster. I've seen firsthand how a single decision, a timely stop, can change the course of lives. Yet, the reality is that many impaired drivers slip through the cracks, making it home unscathed and unchallenged, reinforcing a dangerous sense of invincibility. The process of apprehending and charging an impaired driver is never easy—it’s time-consuming, fraught with paperwork, and often met with skepticism in courtrooms. Some may ask if it’s worth putting ourselves through the scrutiny, the paperwork, and the endless court battles. But every excuse fades when measured against the oath we took to protect our communities.

Every summer brings with it stories of heartbreak—families shattered because someone believed, “It won’t happen to me.” But the painful truth is that it can happen to anyone, and the consequences are irreversible. We are the last defense against this recurring tragedy, and if we falter, more innocent lives will be lost.

While patrolling a rural area in Texas on a two-lane state roadway with improved shoulders, I observed an approaching vehicle that crossed the yellow center stripe into my lane. I began to brake as the vehicle returned to its proper lane. The vehicle was identified as a newer model, high-end sports car. I initiated a traffic stop by turning around, activating my emergency lights, and following the vehicle for several miles during which it continued to weave within its traffic lane. The driver eventually noticed my patrol unit and he pulled over abruptly.

Upon approaching the driver's side, I made contact with the operator, who appeared to be a middle-aged, well-dressed businessman. I obtained his license and registration information and requested that he exit the vehicle. As he did so, I observed that he relied on the vehicle for balance. During our roadside interaction, the driver admitted to consuming alcohol and explained that he had been excited about learning to two-step at a dance hall, noting it was his first time dancing. He remained cooperative and conversational throughout the encounter, frequently discussing his dancing experience.

I then began an impaired driver investigation, and the driver agreed to participate in standardized field sobriety tasks, including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), one leg stand, and walk-and-turn tests. Indicators of impairment were evident during these assessments. While providing instructions for the walk-and-turn, the driver began humming Boot Scootin Boogie. I asked if he understood the task and he stated yes. As he began the task, the driver (still humming boot scootin boogie), started as per instructions. He placed his left foot in front of his right, placed his arm around his midsection and took the first step. He performed a heel slap, a two-step like movement, a turn and ended with an additional heel slap. He looked back at me with a look of complete accomplishment. He was obviously found to be intoxicated and was subsequently taken into custody and transported to jail. You just can’t make that up!

I know many police officers have similar stories of encounters with impaired drivers.

Let's consider what happens if obvious impaired drivers aren't stopped—many make it home without consequence, and that's why impaired driving remains common. Excuses like paperwork or potential minor court penalties don't justify ignoring our duty as officers; we are the only real line of defense. Some officers avoid these stops, but that's not acceptable—we must do better.

Once, a man confronted me in a convenience store, blaming me for his impaired driving conviction after I arrested him.

Everything except his record was restored. Despite this, I saw him buying beer again and taking it to his vehicle. Some people simply refuse to change.

Until next time, keep your head on a swivel and the dirty side down.

Garry Parker

Garry Parker has over forty years of law enforcement experience in Texas, retiring from the Department of Public Safety in 2009 and later from the Texas Municipal Police Association in 2020. He is commissioned as a Special Ranger and certified as a speaker, trainer, and coach through several organizations including the Maxwell Leadership Team. Garry is nationally recognized for expertise in traffic safety, crash prevention, law enforcement, emergency vehicle operation, communication, and leadership. He has delivered keynote speeches at conferences nationwide and received awards for program development and presentation from both state and national bodies.
Contact: www.garryparkerandassociates.com