AITA for getting my dad in trouble with the police?
Picture a dimly lit gas station parking lot, the air thick with tension as a 19-year-old girl watches her dad, reeking of beer, argue with another driver after a fender-bender. She’d begged him not to drive drunk, but he broke his promise, leaving her no choice but to act. When she quietly tips off a passing cop, her world flips—her dad’s in trouble, and her mom’s fury is palpable.
This Reddit story tugs at the heart, blending betrayal, safety, and tough love. Readers can feel the daughter’s dread and defiance as she makes a split-second choice. Was she right, or did she cross a line?
‘AITA for getting my dad in trouble with the police?’
This gas station showdown isn’t just about a car crash—it’s a snapshot of a family grappling with alcoholism’s grip. The daughter’s decision to report her father’s drunk driving, after he blew 0.75‰ on a breathalyzer, stems from fear for her safety and others’. Her father’s refusal to let her drive or take public transport highlights a deeper issue: denial of his addiction.
Dr. George Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, notes, “Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, making drunk driving a leading cause of fatal crashes” . With 32% of fatal crashes in the U.S. involving alcohol , the daughter’s action likely prevented worse outcomes. Her mother’s anger, though, suggests enabling behavior, common in families dodging addiction’s reality.
This reflects a broader issue: the stigma of confronting addiction within families. The daughter’s choice was brave but costly, straining trust. She could seek support from groups like Al-Anon (source) to navigate family dynamics. Openly discussing her father’s alcoholism with a counselor might also help.
Check out how the community responded:
Reddit brought the heat, dishing out raw takes with a dash of tough love. Here’s what the community had to say about this high-stakes drama.
![[Reddit User] - Woof. This is a lot to digest. I wish I had more information, but I guess I don’t need anymore because here are the facts: 1. Regardless of whether or not your dad is an a**oholic, YOU are uncomfortable with the level of drinking he’s been doing.. 2. He promised you he wouldn’t drink and broke that promise..](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/253885c-06.png)
![[Reddit User] - NTA. You were not the ass when you told the police what happened. Your dad has a drinking problem and that clouds your judgement and your ability to react and that is probably what contributed to the accident. It might not have been his fault, but not reacting in time was likely as a result of the alcohol.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/253885c-08.png)
![[Reddit User] - NTA You could have died and so could he. I hope this makes him realize that he has a problem and I hope he takes steps to correct that problem. I'm so sorry you had to get in the accident but good for you for not lying for him.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/253885c-13.png)
From calling out the dad’s recklessness to urging the daughter to stand firm, these opinions pack a punch. But are they practical, or just Reddit’s armchair wisdom at play?
This tale of a broken promise and a bold choice lays bare the messy intersection of loyalty and safety. The daughter’s stand against her dad’s drunk driving was a cry for change, but it cost her family harmony. What would you do in her shoes—stay silent or speak up, knowing the fallout? Share your thoughts and experiences below. How do you handle tough calls when love and danger collide?
