Your Eight-Year-Old Son Is Not a Good Choice for Designated Driver

**witchcurlgirl** · July 31st, 2011, 12:44 PM

There are so many reasons to have kids! One of the not-great reasons is the best is probably "so you have someone to drive when you're wasted." Like Billy Joe Madden, who slept off a bender while his 8-year-old son drove his truck. On a highway. From Mississippi to Dallas.

Madden, 28, resident of Hattiesburg, Miss., was pulled over—well, technically his son was pulled over—at around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday on I-12 in Louisiana after state troopers received a call "from a concerned motorist." (The eight-year-old was not, reportedly, a very good driver.)

"Troopers determined that the driver was an eight-year-old with his four-year-old sister in the rear seat and their father, Billy Joe Madden, 28, of Hattiesburg, Miss., in the passenger seat," said a statement from Matey.

According to police, Madden was intoxicated and sleeping in the the truck while his son drove the truck from Mississippi to Dallas, Texas.

The kids were handed off to Child Protective Services, where they will be picked up by a family member, who is hopefully of age.

Your Eight-Year-Old Son Is Not a Good Choice for Designated Driver

**OrangeSlice** · July 31st, 2011, 02:53 PM

How far did he make it? At least the kid pulled over and didn't lead them on a chase.

**eboni** · July 31st, 2011, 03:39 PM

Further research says the child was pulled over in Louisiana.

**McJag** · July 31st, 2011, 03:41 PM

That is darn good for an 8 year old to just hold it on the road. I am glad they are safe.

**greysfang** · July 31st, 2011, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by OrangeSlice

How far did he make it? At least the kid pulled over and didn't lead them on a chase.

From Mississippi to Louisiana, I'm not sure how far in I-12 is.

**rockchick** · July 31st, 2011, 04:57 PM

This man should not be allowed to breed, although he did create a smart child.

**BBDSP** · July 31st, 2011, 05:40 PM

A friend told me that his alky mom used to make him pick her up and drive her around when he was just 12. I can't imagine.

I hope someone helps this kid and gives him a good home and I hope his dumb-ass dad gets help.

**caramel** · July 31st, 2011, 05:44 PM

fucked up

**Popsicle** · July 31st, 2011, 05:49 PM

The I12 is a hwy from New Orleans - Baton Rouge, that later connects to the interstate 55. The dad had been drinking in NO and wanted his kid to drive over 3 hours back to MS?

Can't help think there's more to this story, like why would he have his kids with him? Maybe he argued with his spouse and stormed off with his kids.

**nancydrew** · July 31st, 2011, 06:17 PM

Shit, my 7 year old would have instantly crashed into everyone and everything in his path.

**LynnieD** · July 31st, 2011, 06:22 PM

^^I have a 7 yr old too and would FLIP OUT if I put her in the drivers seat. She can't even ride her bike well for christs sake.

Wow. An 8 yr old driving, a 4 yr old in the car. Nice.

**Kat Scorp** · July 31st, 2011, 09:04 PM

Sounds like the 8 year old has already had experience driving that car.

**Beeyotch** · July 31st, 2011, 10:02 PM

Um, hello, remember Britney Spears' "we're country" explanation of how her dad would let her drive as a child? This is standard uneducated-backwoods-redneck procedure. Some people are just ignorant morons who use their kids as designated drivers.