Whether it's losing our keys, making a wrong turn, or even using a parking spot we shouldn't and having to repark, we have likely all done something silly in our history as drivers.
The difference is, those are all mistakes we can easily laugh off and correct.
Not so for one woman this past weekend in Portland, Maine, who was caught driving while under the influence, literally right under the police department's nose.
The woman, whose identity has not been released, was attempting to pass through the Portland Police Department's parking garage, but instead of using the driving ramps, she instead tried to navigate through the Department's pedestrian plaza and drive her SUV down the stairs to another level.
Responding police officers reported the woman told them she was "following her GPS," but the officers determined her blood alcohol level was likely a better indicator of what had happened.
The Portland Police Department wrote:
"A 26-year-old female driver drove through the Police Department garage, across our pedestrian plaza, and then tried to drive down the stairs to Middle Street."
"She said she was following her GPS instructions, but responding officers felt it was her excessive blood alcohol level."
"She was issued a summons for OUI (Operating Under the Influence)."
"We are fortunate that she didn't strike anyone and this ended with just a small amount of property damage. Please don't drink and drive."
You can see the original posting here:
Viewers of the Facebook post had a variety of reactions, from amused to angry.
Some took a moment to joke about what had happened.
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Others made assumptions about the woman's GPS.
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
But some were more concerned about the woman only receiving a summons.
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
Portland Maine Police Department/Facebook
While there wasn't a further update on the female driver with the questionable GPS system, the Portland Police Department had another funny story the same day.
The Department wrote:
"Another car story. Most of you would think that alcohol was involved in this one too."
"We are happy to report that no alcohol was involved when a 25-year-old male driver from out of state got lost and didn't realize he was driving down the railroad tracks off of Congress Street until it was too late."
"Please drive safely."
Though driving while under the influence cannot be condoned, it's clear that all kinds of quirky things can happen while on the road, so it's best to always drive as safely as possible.
Fortunately, neither of these drivers came away with extensive damages or injuries, but rather with interesting stories of caution to tell.
