Brentwood 6/17/2011 9:53:36 PM
News / Health & Wellness

Rapper Flo Rida Arrested for DUI

The rapper was arrested for drunk driving in Miami Beach last week. Why is the message not getting through to the famous?

Rapper Flo Rida was arrested last week in Miami Beach for a DUI and for driving with a suspended license. According to CNN.com, Police pulled over the rapper around 3:30 am after they noticed him driving erratically in his 2008 Bugatti, a car that is estimated to be worth around $1.7 million.

The 31-year-old hip-hop star is just the latest in a long line of celebs that don’t seem to be getting the “don't drink and drive” message. Is it because stars think their celeb status makes them invincible or that law enforcement will look the other way if they somehow do get caught? Or maybe, just like the rest of us, they overestimate their ability to operate a car after having a few drinks.

After being pulled over, Flo Rida was unable to pass a sobriety test, telling the officers, “I can't do this. I don't think I can walk a straight line. I had a few drinks. Let's do another test. I live on the other side of the bridge. I can make it home.”

Instead of letting him get back behind the wheel, police took the 31-year-old into custody, escorting him to the Miami Beach Police Department for processing. The website TMZ reports that officers told them Flo Rida’s blood alcohol level was a staggering .185, more than twice the legal limit. To make matters worse, the rapper’s license had been suspended for failing to pay a traffic fine.

With so many celeb arrests for DUI, it may start to just seem like just a right of passage, especially for young Hollywood, but it’s a dangerous trend that often turns deadline. This year, 10,839 people will die in drunk-driving crashes - one every 50 minutes – while drunk driving costs each adult in this country almost $500 per year, according to MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. In addition to those sobering statistics, MADD reports that 50 to 75 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license.

Alcohol Treatment

If you or someone you love has a drinking problem and need alcohol treatment, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.