Driving instructor charged with OUI during lesson

NEWBURYPORT -- A Salem driving instructor who police say had a blood alcohol level of nearly three times the legal alcohol limit pleaded not guilty today in Ipswich District Court to operation of a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Ipswich police said Daniel Winsky, 52, whose driving instructor's certificate was revoked by the state in January, works for a private driving school in Ipswich. According to police, Winsky was in the passenger seat instructing two student drivers when he was stopped the day after Christmas. According to the police report, police were notified by an Ipswich woman, Jane Schaller, who spotted Winsky exiting his driving instructor's car and entering the Cumberland Farms in downtown Ipswich.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the person charged with OUI was the teacher not the driver. In order for someone to be convicted of drunk driving in Massachusetts the person must 1) Be driving 2) on a public way 3) under the influence. Here, I cannot see how the man charged could be found guilty of driving when he is in the passenger seat. Guilty on being the worst drivers ed teacher. Not Guilty on OUI DWI/ DUI.

Massachusetts takes drunk driving very seriously. The penalties for a first offense are severe and expensive. If you know someone who has been charged with an OUI or DWI/DUI contact Attorney Patrick Donovan today.