DIRECTIONS: Read the dialogues below in English, then translate them and read them in your primary language (if needed). You’re encouraged to read these dialogues with your teacher, tutor, colleagues, family, and friends to practice and improve your American English even further.
Topic: DUI: Driving Under the Influence
Dialogue 1
Mark: Hey, James. What happened to your car?
James: I got into an accident.
Mark: You okay, man?
James: Yeah, I’m fine. But the police pulled me over for a Breathalyzer test.
Mark: And…
James: And it turns out I was driving under the influence. I got a DUI ticket, and now I must go to court.
Mark: That’s serious, man. Did you spend any time in jail?
James: I was just taken to the station for a few hours until they let me go on bail. But I had to pay a fine, and my license has been suspended for six months.
Mark: Damn…that sucks. At least no one else got hurt in the accident.
James: Yeah, thank God. I learned my lesson, though. I am never getting behind the wheel after drinking again. It’s not worth risking my life or anyone else’s.
Dialogue 2
Tom: Hey, Dave. How was your weekend? Did you go out and have a few drinks?
Dave: Yeah, but I only had two beers with dinner. Nothing too crazy.
Tom: You drove back home afterward, right?
Dave: Yeah, I did. But don’t worry; it’s not like I was driving under the influence or anything.
Tom: Dave, even if you’ve only had a little drink, getting behind the wheel is still dangerous. If the police catch you, you could have a DUI on your record.
Dave: Come on, Tom. I’m just trying to live my life. I won’t let some silly ticket scare me away from having fun.
Tom: It’s not just a “silly ticket,” Dave. If you cause an accident while under the influence, innocent people could be hurt or killed. And if the police catch you, you could face fines, jail time, and court appearances. Is it worth risking all of that just for one night of drinking?
Dave: Okay, okay. I see what you mean. Maybe next time, I’ll take an Uber instead. Better safe than sorry, right?
Tom: Exactly. Let’s ensure we’re responsible and keep ourselves and others safe on the roads.