Offside Undo.(drunk driving)(Brief Article)(Column)

What started with a wedding rehearsal dinner ended in a poignant life lesson, thanks to The Levelheaded Becky.

It began simply: Brother-in-law Bobby and the delightful Martha practiced vows in a California wine country vineyard. The day was hot and beautiful, the aura intoxicating. We feted the future newlyweds with a family-style meal beneath a grape-covered pergola in an open-air courtyard. Children frolicked, squealed and chased bugs as senior family members from both clans took stock of each other. It was a new American Gothic scene.

Naturally, local grapes served to toast the couple with rambling tributes shouted over a convivial din. Almost all the revelers stayed within walking distance of the restaurant, but The Mandel Brood berthed up a twisting, two-lane highway in Santa Rosa.

Before we launched, The Right Thinking Becky said she was chauffeur. See, we have this deal: Any chance to mix public speaking and wine and I handle both since she doesn't enjoy either. The fair trade is that she drives.

So though I had gotten behind the wheel, I moved to shotgun and let her fidget with the new Range Rover's wheel and seat adjustment. All told, it took about a minute longer in real time, but we were in no hurry.

Which couldn't be said for the 3 Series that blew by. Five minutes into our drive, this Bimmer takes us-on a double yellow line-20 mph faster than the 45 posted limit. In a flash, he darts past two more cars before any of our three young sons could say, ``That ...