‘Tis the season of giving, and in the spirit of sharing, we’ve gathered some peculiar DUI tales that will add a touch of eccentricity to your holiday conversations. These stories, while unconventional, underscore the fact that almost anything can be considered a “vehicle” when it comes to drunk driving.

One of the most remarkable examples is the Cruzin Cooler, a motorized drink cooler. Inventive minds decided to enhance the humble cooler by adding gas and electric motors, ensuring people could enjoy a cold one without straying too far from their chill spot. These motorized coolers can reach up to 15mph, come with various accessories, and are priced at $399 or more. As you might expect, it took a little while for someone to earn a DWI while riding one of these gadgets. A few years later, an Australian man also found himself facing a DUI charge for operating a motorized cooler in a beach town. Even down under, you need a license to cruise around on a motorized cooler.

As the Washington County DA aptly said, “You can’t cruise around on your cooler if you’re intoxicated.” That’s a lesson learned the hard way.

Similarly, a 28-year-old Ohio man ingeniously fashioned a motorized bar stool, claiming it could reach speeds up to 38mph. However, after consuming 15 beers and taking his homemade creation for a spin, the man managed to wreck his motorized bar stool, sustain minor injuries, and get arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

But perhaps the pièce de résistance of makeshift vehicles in DUI incidents is the case of the motorized Lay-Z-Boy. In 2008, an elderly gentleman departed from a bar in his customized armchair, complete with a stereo, cup holders, and a magazine rack, after downing eight or nine beers. Predictably, he promptly collided with a parked car. While he did plead guilty to drunk driving, the real winner in this story is the Proctor, Minnesota Police Department, who auctioned off the motorized Lay-Z-Boy for a whopping $3,700.

These offbeat DUI cases serve as a reminder that the definition of a “vehicle” can be surprisingly flexible, making it imperative to exercise caution and sobriety whenever you’re in control of any mode of transportation. Whether it’s a motorized cooler, bar stool, or Lay-Z-Boy, attempting to operate these unconventional vehicles while intoxicated is neither safe nor legal.

During this holiday season, as you come together with friends and family, these unique DUI stories can serve as amusing cautionary tales. They underscore the significance of responsible drinking and adhering to the law, even when the allure of unconventional adventures is tempting. Stay safe, relish the festivities, and bear in mind that celebrating with a clear mind and a sober ride home is the best way to go. If you ever find yourself facing DUI-related issues, don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel to protect your rights and navigate the legal complexities surrounding DUI charges. Thomas & Ahnell, LLC is here to assist you in Colorado with their expertise in alcohol and drug-related driving offenses.