Today In History with The Retrospectors

The 19th Century Drunk Driver

Sep 10, 2021
Guest
Sir Henry Irving
Guest
George Smith
In this episode, George Smith, the first person arrested for drunk driving in 1897, shares his infamous story. He hilariously recounts crashing into the home of celebrated actor Sir Henry Irving, who faced the fallout of this historical moment. The discussion reveals how shame has shaped drink-driving convictions over the years and explores the bizarre excuses people have used to justify their actions. Plus, the guests tackle the evolution of laws and the role of the ‘Drunkometer’ in assessing sobriety.
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Episode notes
1
Intro
00:00 • 4min
2
The Evolution of Drunk Driving Law and Detection
03:51 • 2min
3
Cultural Attitudes and Absurd Excuses Surrounding Drunk Driving
06:09 • 2min
4
Navigating the Complexities of Drinking and Driving Regulations
08:24 • 3min