Last September Angle was charged with suspicion of Pennsylvania DUI in suburban Pittsburgh. A motorist claimed that Angle had cut her off while exiting a bar parking lot. Moon Township officers later located Angle at his home, where he said he had consumed a few beers.

Angle’s Pennsylvania DUI defense lawyer successfully argued that police could not place Angle in his vehicle at a specific time.

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Burke had attended a fireworks display on July 4th, 2007 in Narbeth, PA. As he cycled away from the festivities, he was involved in an accident with a car. Police responding to the scene determined that Burke had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit for intoxication, and he was booked for drunk driving in Pennsylvania.

In handing down the sentence, the Montgomery County judge may have been influenced by the fact that Burke skipped his court hearing, thinking there was no offense of DUI while bicycling.

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The law stipulates that when state police are involved in an arrest for Pennsylvania DUI, the Commonwealth gives half of the fees and fines collected to the county where the arrest occurred. That money is to be equally split between the county prison system and the county drug and alcohol program.

Schuykill County however has been placing the monies in a general use fund, and not delivering them to the prisons or the rehabilitation program. The amount misallocated is estimated to be nearly $200,000.

County officials expressed confusion, with several using the excuse that they were new to office and did not know about the law. The county commissioner’s chairwoman thought the issue had been resolved last year. A full accounting is now under way to determine how much of the general fund surplus should be transferred to the appropriate accounts. Resolution is hoped for in time for the commissioners’ June 4 meeting.

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During 2006 troopers investigated 4,775 vehicular accidents involving alcohol, an increase of 1%. According to the Pennsylvania highway department, deaths from alcohol related crashes dropped from 544 to 525.

A state police commissioner said that improved recognition of driving while impaired by illegal or prescription drugs has played a key role in the figures.

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During an April 2006 trial, prosecutors said John V. Salamone ‘risked a catastrophe’ when he piloted his plane near the cooling towers of a nuclear power plant, through restricted airspace and across runways at Philadelphia International Airport without control tower communication. When Salamone was finally forced to land after a four-hour flight, his blood alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit for driving under the influence.

A defense attorney tried to argue that there was no imminent danger even though evidence showed that at least six jet and multi-engine aircraft had to be diverted by air traffic controllers to avoid mid-air collisions with Salamone's single-engine plane. Plus there was the potential of widespread damage from a nuclear disaster.

Salamone's private pilot’s license was suspended by the Federal Aviation Administration. His commercial pilot’s license was revoked and he later surrendered his FAA medical certificate which is required by all pilots.

In a twist however, a charge of Pennsylvania DUI was dismissed as it was determined there is no state law against operating an airplane while intoxicated. State lawmakers are now considering such legislation.

The bill has been roundly criticized for its expense, its manipulation of Pennsylvania DUI statistics and for its failure to acknowledge that it is not illegal to drive after drinking responsibly.

The author of the bill introduced it to the House Committee on Transportation based on stories he had heard about college binge drinking and figures he had read on the number of alcohol related deaths in the state. The anti-drunk driving organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, states that Pennsylvania has the fourth highest number of alcohol related fatalities in the nation, though the ranking drops to 23rd when one factors in population.

The bill’s author was apparently unaware of the cost of ignition interlock systems, which would be paid for by vehicle owners. When told the cost would range between $700 and $1,200, he acted surprised and indicated that he might be more willing to accept amendments to his proposed legislation.

Organizations like the American Beverage Institute, which promotes “responsible consumption of adult beverages,” have spoken out against the bill as being over-reaching. The law would require an interlock device even if the vehicle owner did not drink. Typically ignition interlock devices are calibrated to disable a vehicle when .025% blood-alcohol content is detected. That level could be reached by a 170-pound male after consuming two beers in one hour. Pennsylvania law establishes .08% BAC as the threshold for being legally intoxicated.

Opponents feel that lawmakers are responding to pressure being put on them by organizations like MADD and by auto manufacturers. Several manufacturers, including Toyota and Volvo, are currently researching ignition interlock devices with an interest in making the systems part of their vehicle fleet.

Even other Pennsylvania State Legislators have expressed reservations about the bill, citing the expense and certain requirements. The author responded by hoping the bill initiates hearings on drunk driving and alcoholism.

A similar bill, that limits the scope to commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, is being debated in the New York State Legislature.

“If you witness a motorist displaying obvious traits of intoxication or impaired driving, do not hesitate to call 911 and report the driver,” said state police Capt. Robert Lizik.

Motorists are instructed not to try to stop a vehicle with a suspected driver under the influence, nor follow the vehicle. They are asked to provide location, direction of travel, a description of the driver’s actions and a license plate number if possible. Callers will be required to provide their name and cell phone number.

The signs are located on rural highways in Armstrong County, northeast of Pittsburgh. A state police computer program that analyzes accident frequencies and projects potential accident sites was used to select the sign locations. If the concept produces results, PennDOT will consider expanding the campaign statewide.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has used similar signs for nearly ten years. Local police say that the message boards constantly provide
leads that are quickly pursued.

About one third of all people killed in automobile accidents in Pennsylvania involved alcohol. Local and
state police hope the simple idea of asking motorists to help identify potential drunk drivers will make a difference.

Stephen Erni of the DUI Association in Pennsylvania said, “We want all citizens to get home safely.”