Speak Up!

Richie Sambora Charged
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Richie Sambora has been charged with two counts of DUI -- but he was not charged with child endangerment. The DUI counts are driving with a .08 or higher, and driving under the influence.We're told Sambora had a blood alcohol level of .13. If convicted Sambora faces six months in jail.Sambora was popped March 25 after cops say they saw him "veering over the white painted lines and straddling two lanes" in his Hummer in Laguna Beach.Two minors were in the vehicle, including Richie's 10-year-old daughter. We're told police brass recommended that prosecutors charge him with child endangerment but rank and file cops disagreed and so did prosecutors.

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Say it ain't so, Richie! How can someone who is such, SUCH a talented guitar player (and he is simply a fabulous guitarist) be so senseless in another area?

If Richie is an average sized male, to get to a BAC of .13, he had to ingest at least a six pack's worth of alcohol. Does any rational person believe it's okay to drink six beers then drive one's daughter home?

This is a very sticky line to walk, but do we also need to start teaching our children to determine when a friend's parent is too drunk to drive?

Several years ago, there was a study done of middle school kids. There were a shockingly high number of kids who reported having ridden with a driver who was drunk. What gives? Well, think of how many middle school kids baby-sit. When the parents come home from their evening fun, it's often the case where the parent will drive the babysitter home. And when Mom and Dad have been drinking, what is a babysitter to do?

It's a horrible thing, but it seems we need to teach our children that adults, even parents of their friends, are to be seen with a skeptical eye. Not just for protection of sexual abuse, but also for endangering their lives with intoxicated driving.

For more info on promoting this important concept, visit: http://www.urthespokesperson.org/