DUI
Drunk Driving Articles: DUI News and Information
Drunk Driving Articles and News. The DUI News Articles are made up of DUI, DWI and drunk driving articles as well as DUI news stories and drunk driving laws, news, statistics, prevention, counseling, BAC, field sobriety tests and related information about drunk driving. The drunk driving articles are provided to you in a social media environment which allows comments on each of our articles.
Kansas Cuts DUI Program Funds
Treatment of repeat offenders of drunk driving in Kansas will be limited.
The funds used to treat repeat offenders for driving under the influence in Kansas have been cut by 70% by state legislators. Last the past fiscal year the state spent approximately $1.2 million to treat drivers convicted of their fourth KS DUI. The funds have been slashed to $416,000, according to the director of addiction and prevention services for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.
Because the number of people requiring treatment will likely not change, there will probably be a reduction in the treatment period from twelve months to three. Professionals working with addiction say that the length of engagement is critical for effectiveness, and that a shortening of the programs could cause a rise in recidivism.
The decision to cut the funds comes after the passage of a new law requiring those with a third DUI conviction, rather than the fourth, to enter an alcohol treatment program. That is expected to add as many as 200 people to the rolls of those under treatment. Participants in the program may be required to pay some of the expenses. State lawmakers and officials hope local resources can fill in the gaps.
Treatment professionals, corrections officials and a few lawmakers hope that public safety concerns will help resurrect the funds and thus the DUI treatment programs. The issue could become one of the focuses of a new Kansas DUI commission established to review the state’s drunk driving laws.
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County Judges Challenge Use of Intoxilyzer in Florida DUI Arrests
Judges say machine not approved for use in the state.
Two Manatee County judges have issued an order stating that the Intoxilyzer 8000 does not meet state law requirements. The equipment is used by the county sheriff's Office, as well as other law enforcement agencies across the state, when determining blood alcohol content of motorists suspected of driving under the influence in Florida. The order was issued after the state was unable to prove the micron band measurement used by the breath testing machine, thus establishing 'compelling evidence' that the machines are not the ones approved for use in the state.
State law requires equipment issued to law enforcement agencies be approved by the US Department of Transportation. Unauthorized changes in the equipment after the rigorous review process would void that approval. Florida DUI laws further stipulate that an officer can only request a breath test using approved equipment.
Florida DUI defense attorneys have long questioned both the authorization of the Intoxilyzer 8000 and its accuracy. The recent ruling gives them a stronger challenge in court.
Because of the court order, motorists stopped for suspicion of drunk driving in Manatee County Florida are not required to submit to a breath test. Testing can only be done on an approved machine. Previously, those refusing to submit to a breath test were subject to suspension of their driver’s licenses.
CMI of Kentucky, Inc, manufacturer of the Intoxilyzer 8000, has been in court battles across the country regarding the computer source code used in its equipment and changes to the software without state approval. Minnesota recently ruled that the company must make the source code available to DUI defense attorneys. In June, Sarasota judges found discrepancies in the specifications of the machines used by local law enforcement.
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Proposed Legislation Would Get Tough on BUI in California
Lawmaker wants to seize driver’s licenses in cases of boating under the influence in CA.
California state lawmaker John Benoit has sponsored legislation that would suspend a California driver’s license when an individual is convicted of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In the mid-90’s the California Department of Motor Vehicles began suspending the privilege to drive a vehicle following a BUI conviction. That action was stopped following a 2008 decision by the California Court of Appeals that the DMV lacked the authority to do so. Senate Bill 154 aims to reinstate the license suspension penalty. The legislation calls for the DMV to suspend driving privileges for those with a prior conviction for California DUI or BUI when found guilty of a subsequent offense. Offenders would also be required to complete an alcohol education program.
State records show that approximately one quarter of all deaths on California waterways involves alcohol impairment. Benoit issued a press release stating, “My legislation reflects the seriousness of BUI offenses, protecting the safety of travelers on California’s streets, highways and waterways.” The bill was passed by the Senate in late May and received support from the Assembly Committee on Public Safety last week. It is now scheduled for review by the full Assembly.
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Dodgers Pitcher Arrested for California DUI in Los Angeles area
Ronald Belisario stopped for suspicion of drunk driving early Saturday morning.
Ronald Belisario, reliever for the LA Dodgers baseball team, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in California. Belisario was stopped near his Pasadena apartment by California Highway Patrol around 2:30 am for talking on his cell phone. He was arrested after showing “symptoms of possible alcohol intoxication”. Belisario was reportedly cooperative during the arrest and booking at the Pasadena Police Department.
The 26-year old relief pitcher is from Venezuela. He signed with the Dodgers last January as a free agent, after pitching two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Dodgers organization expressed disappointment in the CA DUI arrest and offered to provide any help they can. Coach Joe Torre felt it best for Belisario to seek legal guidance from a California DUI defense lawyer before commenting on the situation.
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Reno Police Given Devices to Test for Nevada DUI
14 portable breath testing devices will be used to combat drunk driving in Reno area.
The Northern Nevada DUI Task Force has donated 14 breath testing devices to the Reno Police Department for use in checking suspected drunk drivers. The handheld devices will provide a preliminary breath test result to determine if further investigation for driving under the influence in Nevada is warranted.
The units costs about $4000 each and they will allow officers to quickly test blood alcohol content of those suspected of drunk driving. Previously, investigators had to wait for a specially equipped patrol car with breath testing equipment to arrive on a NV DUI scene.
According to statistics from the Reno police department, the number of Nevada DUI arrests in the area was down 9.5% in 2008. Accidents related to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs dropped 11.6%. The reductions are attributed to increased awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving as well as DUI enforcement activities.
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Peculiar drunk driving articles for the week of June 26
Really odd drunk driving news – 'Parallels'
Missing tire and DUI in Illinois – Robert S. Rogers, from Tennessee, crossed the center-line of a highway and sideswiped another vehicle in Naperville Illinois, resulting in a flat tire. He drove on however, creating a cascade of sparks from his tire rim. He continued for more than a mile before pulling into the Stardust Motel. Police followed directions from the eyewitness and found Rogers soon after. Rogers was charged with driving under the influence in Illinois, leaving the scene of an accident, driving without a license, illegal transportation of alcohol, driving without insurance, improper lane use and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
Missing tire and DUI in California – An unidentified man was charged with drunk driving in California after he crashed into a guardrail and kept driving on just three tires. Sparks from the fourth rim started 20 small fires along a two mile path, burning a total of six acres, before the California Highway Patrol could apprehend the suspect.
Oklahoma DUI defendant arrives at court drunk – James Lee appeared at a Claremore court for his case of driving under the influence in Oklahoma, but he was so drunk that he was taken to a hospital instead. His blood alcohol content was nearly four times the legal limit. Police plan on adding charges of public intoxication to his arrest record.
Georgia DUI defendant arrives at court drunk – An unidentified 28-year old woman appeared at her court date for driving under the influence in GA. During a routine security check however, a Milton court bailiff detected alcohol and the woman was promptly held in contempt of court charge and sentenced to two days in jail.
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Texting More Dangerous Than DUI
Study shows texting while driving adversely impacts reaction times.
A study conducted by ‘Car and Driver’ shows that texting while driving is significantly more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol drugs. Drivers texting messages are 3-4 times slower than drunk drivers to apply brakes to avoid a collision.
Previous studies conducted in vehicle simulators have shown that texting impairs a driver’s skills. Car and Driver decided to conduct a study in actual vehicles and directly compare reaction times of those texting with those under the influence of alcohol. Using an airfield taxiway, drivers were required to react to a light mounted at eye-level on the windshield, simulating brake lights of an advance vehicle. Vehicle speed, brake pedal position and steering angle were all monitored, and baselines for the test were established. Data was collected as drivers responded to the dash light five times, with the slowest reaction time being dropped. First the drivers performed the test while texting. They then consumed alcohol until their blood alcohol content registered .08%, the legal limit for intoxication in most states, and repeated the test without cell phones.
In one set of results, a driver’s response time while texting nearly tripled his baseline response. The extra reaction time while impaired was only .04 second more than his baseline. At 70 miles per hour, the subject’s vehicle traveled an additional 319 feet while texting, and 17 extra feet while impaired by alcohol.
One national insurance provider estimates that 20% of drivers regularly send text messages or emails while driving.
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Changes in Tennessee DUI Laws
Testing for blood alcohol content will be required for certain cases of drunk driving in Tennessee.
A new law will allow law enforcement officers to demand alcohol testing in certain cases of suspected driving under the influence in Tennessee. Starting July 1, 2009, when a motorist suspected drunk driving in TN causes injury or death to another party, police are allowed to conduct tests to determine blood alcohol content (BAC).
Motorists who decline to be tested will have their driver’s licenses suspended for one year. Police must have probable cause to suspect alcohol contributed to the accident.
The new Tennessee DUI law applies only to those who caused an accident with injury or death to someone other than themselves. Other motorists stopped for suspected TN DUI will still have the constitutional right to refuse a blood, breath or urine test to check BAC.
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Iowa Football Player Charged with DUI in Iowa City
Starting player arrested for drunk driving on moped.
The starting offensive tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team was arrested for driving under the influence in Iowa City. Kyle Calloway was stopped by officers after riding a moped into a barricaded area. He admitted to having consumed seven or eight beers. Calloway submitted to field sobriety tests and a breath test, which registered a blood alcohol content of .106%. The legal limit for intoxication for adults in Iowa is .08%.
Calloway will be a senior next season and was listed as the starting right tackle during spring practice sessions. He has been suspended for one game by coach Kirk Ferentz. The school has also required Calloway to complete alcohol counseling classes and perform community service before rejoining the football team.
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Judge Accused of Drunk Driving in New York
County Court Judge tried to evade a sobriety checkpoint in Albany area.
A Family Court Judge was arrested on suspicion of driving while ability impaired in Albany New York. Gerard Maney, 59, was seen making a u-turn as he approached an Albany County NY DWI checkpoint on the Green Island bridge. Green Island Police pursued Maney, who continued driving a mile and a half before stopping in Watervliet.
Maney reportedly smelled of alcohol and he failed several field sobriety tests. His blood alcohol content registered .07% on a breathalyzer, just below the legal limit for intoxication. Maney was charged with driving while ability impaired or DWAI, a traffic offense that can result in fines and points against one’s driving record. He was also charged with making an illegal u-turn on the bridge and failing to comply with police lights and siren.
Maney is scheduled for arraignment on July 7. He has been on the Albany County Family Court for 18 years, and was back on the bench the day after his arrest.
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from,but,unless you're willing to "turn the page" on our freedom,civil rights and way of life as Americans and unless you're willing to sell out this great country to mindless irrational pressure groups and eventually probably find yourself saluting the chinese or the north korean flag,I think
you should reconsider your way of thinking.just ask yourself,
since when was using "fear tactics" ,imposing "harsher laws" and "severe punishment" the best way to solving problems in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? the solutions have to be in line with our core values and the spirit of our constitution.
we can not afford paying our freedom and civil rights as a price for the so called "safety".
Our core values in America include respect for our neighbors. Our right to live. The Constitution establishes our rights and in return, we are asked only to be law abiding citizens. Asking and expecting people to make responsible choices is not a fear tactic. The only people that fear harsher laws are the selfish individuals that feel they are above the law. The ones that put their own desire to drive drunk over the rights of the innocent person they kill. What are mindless irrational pressure groups are you so frightened of? Driving drunk is not a civil right.
this law in the States with nothing to fear because the only people who will be affected by it are those"selfish"assholes!
harsh laws don't creat civilized citizens.harsh laws don't creat civilized society.and harsh laws certainly don't solve problems.they rather pull countries backwards and into the garbage can of human history.there will always be folks who violate the law for whatever reasons.there will always be folks who aren't civilized enough to respect other people's rights.however,they should never be the excuse for uncivilized
laws as the law's role in a democracy is to "set the level" for civilization and "effectively" bring the people UP to that level rather than bringing the legal system DOWN to the level of the violators.everybody wants to live no argument there,but,what kind of life do we want for ourselves and our future generations?you're asking me what pressure groups I'm "afraid" of? I'm talking about self righteous zealots like MADD,DADD,"SADD" and the rest of the ADDs who pretend their purpose is to save us from crimes and deliver us from sins by promoting false ideas,skewed statistics and generic science while pushing for authoritarian laws and hidden agendas!such groups will stop at nothing,luring mostly naive people into supporting their "cause" with the use of distorted
facts and cheap rhetorics.ironically enough,the laws in Saudi Arabia are pushed NOT by the average citizens nor exactly by the government but by none other than a "pressure group" named
"wahabis" with the unfortunate blessing of great numbers of the mislead public!do you see some similarity?are you afraid yet?well maybe when you get pulled over someday and your BAC reads 0.00001 on the machine "harsher law" and you get your wiener amputated "harsher punishment" then you'll get the point!!
We encarcerate more of our population then any other civilized nation on earth.
It was merely pot, now it is alcohol. While they utilize the DUI statutes it does not matter, many are jailed merely for being found to have been drinking wether they drove or not.
The ravenous appetite of our out of control penal system will never be satisfied but only grow as more and more are fed to it.As thathappens more and more unreasonable laws and law enforcement. Given the stories coming out now about the crimes being perpetrated by law enforcement officials in thier quest to feed this lion it should not be long.
We have become a nation of unreasonable incarceration. the war on drugs could not keep the system fed nor will these unreasonable DUI laws. They will only wreck innocent lives in the name of saving life while the death rate on our highways continues climbing unabated. If they really wanted to decrease highway fatailities they would fix the roads. And stop cramming so many onto so small a driving area. When the number of cars goes up and the roadway area does not then the danger/death rate goes up. Putting people in jail does nothing to change this equation.
The devestation of the war on drugs and DUI statutes will not go on as they are today for long. As more and more families are kicked to the curb by the real consequences of these barbarian methods more will rise up until there are so many that jails will finally and mercifully be closed down and the lions that fed on the carnage sent packing.
the real victims are not only those in prison, but their families as well who suffered the economic consequences and emotional trauma inflicted upon them by a system that allowed the real animals to incarcerate good people for the real crime of having normal human faults.
This will certainly happen and when it does we should be prepared to deal with the economic re-patriation of the real victims of these laws.
I could not agree with you more. What was the outcome of your ordeal? Think I am going to lobby for NDDAMM. Non Drunk Drivers Against Madd Mothers.
what's the ACLU's stance on this issue? I think they should
get involved because this is not just about "drunk driving" ,this goes way beyond that to hit our very civil liberties!
for those millions who have been miraculously turned into
"criminals" for committing NO ACTUAL crime, I think it's time for them to stop feeling guilty or even sorry and stand up for this wave of injustice.
and for those who FOOLISHLY support MADD and their likes in the name of "safety", take a deeper look, do you really want to live in a country where random "check points" manned by the MARINE CORPS in some cases, are spread all over our cities and counties? do you want to live in a country where the average citizen is presumed GUILTY untill proven otherwise?
if you think drunk drivers are a threat, MADD is far more
dangerous of a threat to you and your children, you just don't know it yet.
More government foolishness.
To my end I recv'd 90 days incarceration, 1500.00 fine + other costs. My license is not available until 2022!!! This due to numerous illegal stops by local police while under suspension, which all started due to having no insurance and has escallated to 12 pull-overs in the previous 5 years..this is why I have NO PRIVLEDGES TO DRIVE UNTILL 2022...There is definitly many traffic laws which make money for the government and at the same time tear a hole in the fabric of a persons life. I'm fed-up and have tried to write and call local legislative reps regarding my issues and get no response ...Yeah , I love america..NOT
PS kodos to the lawyer who wrote in re: the illegal state of legalities THANKS
I know my son isn't perfect but I also know that he takes drinking and driving very seriously. I think his so called friend was not sober enough to drive, put the car in a ditch which caused a whole in the tire and when the car ran out of gas just left him there at the bridge. In the meantime the tire went flat. The toll booth wasn't in a place where the people inside could have seen anything so he has no proof of anything. He is in so deep that as usual only those who can afford a high priced lawyer can get out of. He has to work to make the money for all the devices, fines, etc. He was forced to go to an outpatient facility that was fifty dollars three times a week which he could not afford but were the only ones that could take him right away. He is in debt now up to his forehead and is severely depressed because he sees no end to it. He is looking for a cheaper outpatient place because the first one told him he had to leave because he can't afford the cost. This puts him in danger. The place he was going talked him into claiming he had a severe problem so he could get state help. She never gave him a ua but told him to say he was using to make them see how bad he was. I sat right there and heard her say"trust me, I know the system and this is what he needs to do. It's all about money and if he doesn't follow my advise he will go to jail, no doubt' She made a huge mess of everything because we were afraid enough to trust her. She talked us into in patient treatment so he could get outpatient treatment for free and all of this would keep him out of jail. I'm sorry to ramble but the nightmare is getting worse and worse. The reality of all this is that the person who is charge is place in such a way that it is almost impossible for them to work to make the money for all this stuff and when the parents see them working so hard to try and take care of everything end up with the financial strain. We do not have the money for a good lawyer and he doesn't either so we are all going broke trying to cover everything else. He has just gotten a third job to take care of the financial part but then when is he going to have time to go to outpatient classes three times a week and a meeting three times a week at least the court told him he had to? My son is ready to 'run' so he can try to have a real life. He won't but his depression is getting worse and I'm concerned that he has mentioned suiced. This was a smart, young, decent, loving young man when this all started that trusted the truth would set him free. What a joke. What a hard lesson to learn but I don't want him to let go of his beliefs about the world either, which he is doing everyday. He keeps going, he works hard and he's losing hope. His cousin got a dui and his parents put out $15,000 because they have money and got him off completely. Where is the justice for us that don't have that kind of money to fight with. We end up spending way more in fines and equiptment but don't have it all up front to stop this legal system which is totally set up to destroy lives. Not just the convicted but the families that love them
Imagine how the rest of us are treated that were never cops... lol
How about this new one: damadd.com ??
They gave me 30 day suspension, 6 months restictive lisence and an IID. I have completed all classes, 6 months restriction and 6 month IID (pain in the butt....not to mention embarrassing).
Does anyone know if I have to do anything else? I have completed everything ordered, fine is current........
It's downright scary in a number of marinas watching the amount of alcohol consumed on boats.
To contrast this DUI/DWI argument, I'll briefly give you a story example of... the Patriot Act.
So one day 9/11 occurred,... many died and many more left alive shattered and broken in spirit due to cowardly acts of violence done in by terrorists. The Americans whelped, cried aloud, and pleaded for some aide from their "trustworthy" government to do something about it! So to answer the pleas, our modern self-labeled democratic government decided to ensure the "safety" of Americans by establishing a new set of laws to protect and punish those whom have been "suspected" of terrorists activities. Thus the Patriot Act was created, enabled without any regard for the public opinions who had rally against it's establishment, and for years it served it's purpose profoundly. It's first targets of course were the many non and American men of Arabic and Muslim descent. Many of which as you know by now, have been detained due to "probable" cause to create terror, stripped of every human right(s), and sent to be water-boarded at the grand beach resort of Guantanamo Bay!
But wait... that was only it's pilot testing for this newly established law. So from that successful stint, our government decided it would benefit the U.S. even more if the act was to deviate it's influence to other "probable" targets. So they held a meeting and ideas just started flying all about the room! "How about war veterans? Surely we should get them first!" the politician asked. "Yes, they have military training and political influence that can make them potential terror candidates. We shou..." A general replied only to be interrupted. "No we tried that in Nam already." A judge exclaims. "Oh wait! I know! I know!" a corporate man yells. "We can just generate a blacklist of Americans whom we agreed as "probable" tour de force resistant against our greedy tyrannical practices! We practically have background records of every American!" And soon the whole room goes into an uproar yelling hoorah and YEAH! The politician finally calms them group down and gives a closing argument, "Okay, let's do that. Surely this will keep Americans safer and stop terrorists from trying to act up against the law!" So hence from that time, any person suspected of "probable" terror involvement regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, or substantial proof were detained and lived the rest of their life miserably. End...
In conclusion, most laws are enacted in regards towards benefiting our society, but it is our duty as citizens living under a democracy to check our government from time to time to ensure our own safety from any abuse of the law derived from them as well. Then again, your probably like many Americans out there who rather slave away under an upcoming Fascist state. Oh well... hope you enjoyed the story.
To contrast this DUI/DWI argument, I'll briefly give you a story example of... the Patriot Act.
So one day 9/11 occurred,... many died and many more left alive shattered and broken in spirit due to cowardly acts of violence done in by terrorists. The Americans whelped, cried aloud, and pleaded for some aide from their "trustworthy" government to do something about it! So to answer the pleas, our modern self-labeled democratic government decided to ensure the "safety" of Americans by establishing a new set of laws to protect and punish those whom have been "suspected" of terrorists activities. Thus the Patriot Act was created, enabled without any regard for the public opinions who had rally against it's establishment, and for years it served it's purpose profoundly. It's first targets of course were the many non and American men of Arabic and Muslim descent. Many of which as you know by now, have been detained due to "probable" cause to create terror, stripped of every human right(s), and sent to be water-boarded at the grand beach resort of Guantanamo Bay!
But wait... that was only it's pilot testing for this newly established law. So from that successful stint, our government decided it would benefit the U.S. even more if the act was to deviate it's influence to other "probable" targets. So they held a meeting and ideas just started flying all about the room! "How about war veterans? Surely we should get them first!" the politician asked. "Yes, they have military training and political influence that can make them potential terror candidates. We shou..." A general replied only to be interrupted. "No we tried that in Nam already." A judge exclaims. "Oh wait! I know! I know!" a corporate man yells. "We can just generate a blacklist of Americans whom we agreed as "probable" tour de force resistant against our greedy tyrannical practices! We practically have background records of every American!" And soon the whole room goes into an uproar yelling hoorah and YEAH! The politician finally calms them group down and gives a closing argument, "Okay, let's do that. Surely this will keep Americans safer and stop terrorists from trying to act up against the law!" So hence from that time, any person suspected of "probable" terror involvement regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, or substantial proof were detained and lived the rest of their life miserably. End...
In conclusion, most laws are enacted in regards towards benefiting our society, but it is our duty as citizens living under a democracy to check our government from time to time to ensure our own safety from any abuse of the law derived from them as well. Then again, your probably like many Americans out there who rather slave away under an upcoming Fascist state. Oh well... hope you enjoyed the story.
