Spotted®: The focus is on you! Oct 3, 2009
The primary goals of the H.E.A T. project are to reduce impaired driving crashes, reduce excessive speeding, increase the safety belt usage rate and educate the public about traffic safety. H.E.A.T. Officer Brent Davis represents the Winder Police Department in this specialized traffic enforcement unit. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Update: State Rep. Wood arrested again for suspected OWI Sep 25, 2009
The Assembly took meaningful action last week to tackle the issue of drunken and impaired driving in Wisconsin, approving both tougher penalties and more treatment resources for those who get behind the wheel while intoxicated. We remain committed to addressing this widespread problem. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
FDOT and Florida high schools Ghost Out Sep 24, 2009
Published: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:10 AM EDT The Florida Department of Transportation Highway Safety office is partnering with local agencies to conduct an alcohol and drug awareness program known as Ghost Out in high schools across the state to raise teens awareness of the consequences of impaired driving ... During an afternoon assembly, students testify about their experiences with impaired driving ... This powerful program sends a strong message to our students on the consequences... (Lake Wales News, FL)
Sen. Jehlen hosts summit on impaired driving Sep 21, 2009
Jehlen hosts summit on impaired driving - Woburn, MA - Woburn Advocate ... Jehlen hosts summit on impaired driving ... Jehlen said such an example is emblematic of the difficulties she and other legislators will face in regard to laws surrounding impaired driving. (Woburn Advocate, MA)
Selma PD checking for drunk drivers Sep 20, 2009
Selma Police Chief Myron Dyck said drunk driving "is not worth the risk." "Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant," said Dyck. "Violators will face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work and dozens of other expenses. So don't take the chance. Remember, if you are caught over the limit, you will be placed under... (Selma Enterprise, CA)
MADD Colorado's Youth Volunteers Recognize Lifesaving Efforts of Law Enforcement Sep 20, 2009
Ashley Beck, a Youth In Action Volunteer Adult Coordinator said of deciding the recipients, "It was a super tough decision and I feel that each officer deserves an award for any effort made to limit drunk driving is commendable - even if they've only made one arrest!" The goal of YIA and UMADD's recognition events are to recognize officers for their dedicated efforts in combating underage drinking and impaired driving ... "Colorado is honored and grateful to have these dedicated law enforcement... (PR Newswire)
»Drawing Blood Will Help Stop Drunk Driving, Police Say - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com Sep 15, 2009
The Phoenix Police Department only uses blood tests for impaired driving cases. Detective Kemp Layden, who oversees drug recognition, phlebotomy and field sobriety, said the city now has about 120 officers certified to draw blood. (Fox News -- Politics)
DUI tests raise concerns Sep 15, 2009
Local Idaho State Police Capt. Eric Dayley said his department started a policy about a year ago to send any person suspected of impaired driving who refuses a breath test to the hospital, where professionals will administer blood tests. "So far it's worked just fine," Dayley said, adding his department has no plans to train officers to take the blood samples. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Police say syringes will help stop drunken driving (3299) Sep 15, 2009
The Phoenix Police Department only uses blood tests for impaired driving cases. Det. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Officials: DUI campaigns deter impaired driving Sep 13, 2009
Driving under the influence (DUI) campaigns are used throughout the year to try to deter drivers from making decisions that could harm lives. And while the number of impaired drivers involved in a crash continues to fluctuate, law officials say the campaigns are helpful even if they only reach a limited number of drivers. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Canadian drunken driver gets life sentence Sep 10, 2009
Walsh's 18 previous impaired driving convictions and 114 previous convictions in total for assault, uttering threats, breaking and entering, and theft were entered into evidence. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- International)
U.S. Drivers Take Wheel After Binge Drinking In Bars, Clubs Sep 9, 2009
People think of impaired driving as a driving problem when it is as much a drinking problem as a driving problem, said Naimi, M.D., a physician with the CDC s Alcohol Team ... 13, 2009) Binge drinking is common among active-duty military personnel and is strongly associated with many health and social problems, including problems with job performance and alcohol-impaired driving. (Science Daily)
Caution urged this weekend Sep 5, 2009
On average, each week 300 people are arrested for impaired driving in Massachusetts. A first-time conviction for drunk driving in Massachusetts can cost more than $7,800, plus the significant expenses involved with insurance surcharges and attorney services. (Burlington Union, MA)
POLICE URGE CAUTION OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND Sep 5, 2009
Chief John Howell does not wish the holiday to be ruined by a fatality, a vehicle crash, or an impaired driving arrest, Rawlinson said. Give a gift of life to yourself, your family and others during this holiday weekend, and everyday. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Police to host picnic for crime prevention Sep 4, 2009
State troopers and sheriff s deputies will be out on patrol as they take part in the Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest crackdown on impaired driving over the Labor Day holiday weekend. On Friday, Sept. 4, officials will have a drivers license checkpoint set-up at Southport Road about a half-mile west of Hury County. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
DUI mobilization under way Sep 4, 2009
Law enforcement impaired driving mobilization under way Aug. 24 - Sept. 7 ... "Impaired driving is no accident - nor is it a victimless crime," Bechen said ... Last year, more than 41 percent of all Idaho highway fatalities were the result of an impaired driving crash. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
WATCHWORDS: Take extra care on the roads as school begins Sep 4, 2009
Impaired driving is responsible for too many tragedies on our highways every day. Don t risk your life or the lives of others by driving after you ve had too much to drink. (Amesbury News, MA)
All available troopers to work Labor Day weekend Sep 3, 2009
Labor Day will cap an intensive, nationwide impaired driving crackdown - "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." - that began Aug. 21. Murphy said troopers, along with local and county law enforcement and traffic safety agencies throughout Alabama, will continue the concerted effort to crack down on impaired driving through Labor Day. (WSJA.com, AL)
Cheap Drinks At College Bars Can Escalate Drinking Among College Students Sep 3, 2009
(May 24, 2009) One well-known and often deadly consequence of alcohol intoxication is impaired driving. Yet still today, it is difficult for even trained observers to fully identify "intoxication," given that so. (Science Daily)
Driving After Binge Drinking More Common Than Believed Sep 3, 2009
"A lot of studies, including ours, have established a strong connection between binge drinking and impaired driving, which is sort of obvious on some level," he said. "What hasn't been looked at is how many people actually do get behind the wheel after a binge drinking episode.". (MEDLINEplus)
Governors Highway Safety Assoc. backs texting ban Aug 31, 2009
DERRICK Z. JACKSON: Federal ban needed on cell-impaired driving ... Under Arrest crackdown on impaired driving. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Mailbag: DUII: No limit is safe Aug 29, 2009
As a substance abuse counselor, I applaud Benton County for taking part in the nationwide crackdown on impaired driving. However, I feel compelled to debunk a widespread misconception that was unfortunately perpetuated in the D-H article of Aug. 22. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
DUI checkpoint Friday near Huron Aug 27, 2009
Police said Saturday s checkpoint was part of a nationwide crackdown on impaired driving. 14 nabbed in DUI check. (Fresno Bee)
New law allows road signs for DWI victims Aug 27, 2009
Impaired driving is a problem among motorists, many of whom don't realize how small an amount of a substance -- whether drugs or alcohol -- it takes to affect driving skills and put themselves and others at risk ... "The new signs offer a memorial to victim's families, while raising awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.". (Fulton Sun, MO)
DUI enforcement stepped up as Labor Day nears Aug 25, 2009
Phoenix-area police have been very aggressive in going after drunk drivers and the Labor Day efforts are aimed at reducing impaired driving during the holiday weekend. The aggressive DUI enforcement in the Valley this year has resulted in some high profile arrests, including Phoenix Mercury player Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Suns guard Jason Richardson and former Suns players and TNT commentator Charles Barkley. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
MADD joins public DWI campaign Aug 25, 2009
Rick McDonald, Plano police spokesman, said local police are again participating in the Impaired Driving Mobilization (IDM) grant, which allows the department to have extra officers on the streets and roadways during the Labor Day holiday. The grant allows us to put extra police on the street so we can find these drunk drivers and get them off the roadways, McDonald said. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Project Topics for Health Class Aug 24, 2009
What is impaired driving. How [name of drug] effects the brain and body. (Suite101.com)
Too costly to crash?Role of gas prices unclear in Idaho crash statistics Aug 24, 2009
Drunk and impaired driving was a factor in 41 percent of 2008 crashes, according to ITD.. In Jerome County, traffic fatalities decreased from 17 in 2007 to six last year, while total crashes for the same period decreased from 395 to 393, according to ITD.. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Local law enforcement to hold sobriety checkpoint August 27 Aug 24, 2009
Impaired driving is no accident it s a serious and costly crime. At sobriety checkpoints, law enforcement officials evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment at certain points on the roadway with minimal amount of intrusion and motorist inconvenience. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Benton targets drunk drivers (37) Aug 22, 2009
The Benton County Sheriff s Office announced it will join other law enforcement agencies throughout the country in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving through Sept. 7. The program is known as Drunk Driving. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Need for speed costing Iowa motorists Aug 22, 2009
Col. Patrick Hoye, chief of the Iowa State Patrol, attributed the rise in speed-related citations to a data-driven, stepped-up enforcement effort that attempts to saturate higher-risk roadways with state and local law officers concentrating on speeding, drunken or impaired driving, and seat-belt violations. "We're taking a look at where accidents happen and where the DOT checkpoints are showing us that speeds are high and we're focusing on those areas," Hoye said. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Sheriff’s office launches crackdown on impaired driving. (42) Aug 21, 2009
Sheriff s office launches crackdown on impaired driving ... Sheriff s office launches crackdown on impaired driving ... The Benton County Sheriff s Office has announced it will join other law enforcement agencies throughout the country in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
State, municipal police to run impaired driving crackdown Aug 21, 2009
According to PennDOT, motorists will see an increased police presence on the highways starting Friday, when more than 600 municipal police departments and state police will be joining a national crackdown on impaired driving through the Labor Day weekend. Whenever people make the decision to drive while impaired, they risk their own life and the lives of everyone else on the road, said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Amesbury police ramp up patrols Aug 21, 2009
Despite stricter laws, additional enforcement and the risk of civil liability, an average of 300 people are arrested for impaired driving each week in Massachusetts. A first-time conviction for OUI can cost more than $7,800 in fines plus significant costs for attorney fees and insurance surcharges. (Amesbury News, MA)
Visalia mom held on child endangerment Aug 20, 2009
"The death of eight people, including four children, in this impaired driving crash is particularly appalling. MADD NY is offering the service of victim advocates and grief support resources to the families involved." Sadly, the leading cause of death to kids from drunk driving is as the passenger. Every child deserves a sober driver. (Fresno Bee)
Drunken driving arrests for women jump nearly 30 in last decade Aug 20, 2009
Laura Dean-Mooney, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said it is unclear why the number of women arrested for impaired driving has increased. There s no hard data on that. (Boston Globe)
DUI crackdown aims at women Aug 20, 2009
"Impaired driving is an issue that cuts across all segments of society and, sadly, the number of arrests of women driving under the influence is on the rise. This is clearly a very disturbing trend," Mr. LaHood said at a news conference in Washington, D.C. ... Laura Dean-Mooney, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said it was unclear why there has been an increase in the number of women arrested for impaired driving. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Police re-mobilize for driving crackdown Aug 18, 2009
National Mobilization, launched in December 1999, is a comprehensive impaired driving prevention effort focused on highly visible criminal justice-related efforts to deter impaired driving and is designated for use by states and communities to save lives. about the campaign, e-mail of the Lexington Police Department. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Enforcement stepped up for weekend Aug 15, 2009
The focus of the RAID team is on impaired driving ... To expedite the processing and breath-testing of suspects stopped for impaired driving, the State Patrol also will be making available its Batmobile portable DWI processing vehicle, which will be on site and available for use by any law enforcement agency in the area who needs it and wants to use it, Jonassen said. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
8 held in DUI checkpoint Aug 13, 2009
Police said Saturdays checkpoint was part of a nationwide crackdown on impaired driving. A few rules are needed to help foster a feeling of community. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Police find stash, kitchen sink and all Aug 12, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009. Search stories on N&O.com. (News & Observer)
A word, please, your honor Aug 7, 2009
An impaired driving conviction for a judge is bad enough, but the events surrounding Judge Maney's arrest on June 18 raise more questions than whether the jurist had one too many ... 07 reading, still enough for an impaired driving charge ... Judge Gerard Maney pleads guilty to impaired driving. (Albany Times Union)
Dr. Janet L. Jankowiak: Assessing the older driver Jul 30, 2009
The Massachusetts Medical Society's "Medical Perspectives on Impaired Driving" discusses the effects of aging on motorists, as well as other factors like alcohol, drugs and disease, among others. While developed for physicians, this 43-page guide can be a useful resource for others. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Madden accepts chair position for national committee Jul 27, 2009
He said counties are continually adopting the idea, which will lead to fighting impaired driving. This allows judges to monitor individuals convicted of a DWI, by providing long-term ongoing accountability and rehabilitation, Madden said. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Drinking culture needs to changeThursday, July 23, 2009 Jul 24, 2009
By supporting prevention on the front end, it s possible to reduce the future costs of cracking down on underage drinking and impaired driving. Law enforcement can do only so much. (Missoulian, MT)
DERRICK Z. JACKSON: Federal ban needed on cell-impaired driving Jul 23, 2009
Their recent study revealed that text-messaging while driving is "becoming as dangerous as drinking and driving in terms of inhibiting one Alert Truck Drivers Prevented Further Devastation in Crash in Detroit A fiery crash near Detroit yesterday shows the need for greater automobile driver safety awareness and education that is advocated in the American Trucking Associations' 18-point safety agenda. The crash also revealed the skills and safe practices that are common among professional truck... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Consumer Groups: Gov't Kept Secret The Dangers of Cell Phones Jul 22, 2009
Runge said reducing the number of fatalities on the road by making SUVs safer, making sure people were wearing their seatbelts and reducing impaired driving took top priority instead. "That's when we had 43,000 people dead," he recalled today. (ABC News)
Politicians, can you hear me now? Jul 21, 2009
Talking on a cellphone while driving is so intense, with drivers deluding themselves that talking is an act that can be taken for granted, the researchers said drivers may not be aware of their own impaired driving ... One consequence of using a cellphone is that it may make drivers insensitive to their own impaired driving behavior. (Boston Globe)
Delinquent Behavior Among Boys 'Contagious,' Study Finds Jul 18, 2009
4 percent) and impaired driving (8. 8 percent). (Science Daily)
Officers to step up enforcement on Iowa interstates Jul 17, 2009
The primary goal of these corridor events is to focus on nighttime enforcement of motor vehicle laws including seat belts, speed and impaired driving, in an attempt to reduce the serious injury and fatality crashes happening on Iowa highways. More Stories from News. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Crackdown on interstates planned Jul 14, 2009
Pennsylvania State Police, in a joint effort with the Ohio Highway Patrol, New York State Police and U.S. Border Patrol, will target aggressive driving, impaired driving, speeding and other violations during a 12-hour crackdown. In Pennsylvania, Interstates 90, 79, 80 and 86 will be heavily patrolled, according to a news release from the Pennsylvania State Police. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Arniel has moved on, moved up Jul 12, 2009
Arniel was arrested and charged with impaired driving, fortunate that he didn t hurt himself or anybody else. So it s no surprise that Arniel was little more than a ghost during his first development camp. (Boston Globe)
Transportation reform in place, but not over Jul 9, 2009
Texting while driving remains on the table, as does the issue of impaired driving at any age, both of which the Joint Committee on Transportation took up in recent hearings. We must continue to implement the lessons learned from the Big Dig, and ensure that we do not slide further and further into debt. (Boston Globe)
Braintree Police Beat Jul 8, 2009
Impaired driving arrests. Luis H. DePina, 26, of Brockton was arrested on the afternoon of July 1 after allegedly running a red light at Granite Street and Forbes Road, causing a 57-year-old Brockton man to crash into the passenger side of DePina s BMW 325i. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Gov. picks 15 to look into DUI issue Jul 7, 2009
Freudenthal has created a new team to suggest laws and develop other ideas for reducing impaired driving in the state ... The new Governors Team to Prevent Impaired Driving is taking over where the old Governors Council on Impaired Driving left off, Freudenthal said ... The council mainly concentrated on pushing stiffer penalties for impaired driving. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Patrols target holidays, weekends to curb drunken driving Jul 6, 2009
Alcohol-impaired driving contributed to other high-risk behaviors that increased the likelihood of a crash causing injury or death; these included speeding and failure to wear safety belts ... One of the stated objectives of this program is To adopt a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving during all motor vehicle stops. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Recent highlights from the Ideas blog: boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/brainiac Jul 5, 2009
And we remind again that we only measured response to a light - the reduction in motor skills and cognitive power associated with impaired driving weren t really exposed here. Of course, the main difference is that drunken driving is taboo in most circles while warnings about DWT have, for a large swath of the population, not yet sunk in. (Boston Globe)
State traffic deaths fall 16%, following US trend Jul 4, 2009
US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement that the country had made major advances in areas such as increasing seat belt use, cutting impaired driving, and improving vehicle safety, but we still have a long way to go. The federal officials said early data for the first quarter of 2009 indicated that the declining trend was continuing nationally. (Boston Globe)
Impaired driving crackdown Jul 4, 2009
Impaired driving is no accident nor is it a victimless crime ... Getting arrested for impaired driving is not the worst thing that can happen to an impaired driver. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Melrosians urged to drive responsibly on July 4 Jul 4, 2009
Impaired driving is no accident nor is it a victimless crime. It s obvious to recognize someone who s had way too much to drink to drive safely. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
SIDNE demonstrates impaired driving Jul 3, 2009
Chris Fuentes with the Midland County Sheriff Department looks to make sure Saige Subia, 15, left, and Audrey Carrasco, 15, are secured in SIDNE (Simulated Impaired Driving Experience) before their driving-under-the-influence simulated ride Thursday at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Midland ... SIDNE is a modified go-kart that simulates impaired driving and was being demonstrated Thursday at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Midland ... SIDNE, short for Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience,... (Odessa American, TX)
Safety first in summer driving Jul 2, 2009
As one Johnson County deputy commented, "Summer can be one of the worst times for traffic accidents involving teens. What starts out as a fun joy ride, often ends in pain and more times than not, tragedy. And a lot of the outcome is as simple as keeping speed at a reasonable rate, following basic rules such as stopping at stop signs, not drinking and driving and wearing seatbelts." From June 21 through July 5, 2009, a state-wide program, "Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign" will be in effect... (Kalona News, IA)
Celebrating dangerously Jul 2, 2009
During the July 4th holiday travel period in 2008, 467 senseless impaired driving-related crashes and 33 fatalities occurred, the association said. Impaired driving, whether it be by alcohol, drugs or even medication, is the most frequently committed crime in the state and the nation, the association said, noting that in 2008 alone, Pennsylvania racked up 12,867 impaired driving-related crashes and 531 fatalities ... Both state and municipal law enforcement officials will be out in full force... (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
New Grants to Promote Traffic Safety Announced Jun 30, 2009
The grants will allow state, county and local agencies to continue the fight against impaired driving, encourage seat belt and child safety seat usage, enhance emergency medical service response, advance pedestrian and bicycle safety, and assist in the enforcement of traffic laws aimed at saving lives. "These grants provide vital resources and strengthen our commitment to save lives and prevent injuries on California's roadways," said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic... (PR Newswire)
Federal funds help pay for late night patrols on impaired driving Jun 29, 2009
The key message is this is a crackdown on impaired driving during the late-night hours, Weinstock said. This is funded by 1 million statewide to pay for the overtime for our patrols and in other communities. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
