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July 1st, 2009, No Comments »
From Time Magazine:
Nearly 13,000 Americans die in traffic accidents every year. Now Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is opening a new front in its war on drunk drivers, and it’s getting help from the Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
A new highway bill pending before Congress would instruct all 50 states to require all motorists convicted of driving under the influence to equip their cars with interlock systems that shut down a vehicle when a measured amount of alcohol is detected.
There are already about 150,000 interlock systems now in cars in the U.S., placed there for drivers with multiple DUI convictions. But the proposed mandate would expand the use of interlock systems exponentially; MADD’s statistics indicate that nearly 1.5 million Americans are arrested annually on DUI charges, making it the No. 1 crime for which Americans are arrested.
States wouldn’t have to abide by the ruling, but there would be heavy pressure to conform, since states that don’t adopt the mandate could lose their highway funds. “The national 21 minimum drinking age and the .08% law [for allowable alcohol in the bloodstream] both resulted from federal highway sanctions. History tells us that this approach works,” says Laura Dean-Mooney of MADD. So far only 11 states require interlocks for anyone with one conviction who is currently driving on a DUI-restricted license.
Opponents of the MADD push for stricter laws warn that a federal interlock requirement would serve as a Trojan horse, opening the way for even more sophisticated interlock technology that would be required on every car sold in the U.S., according to Sarah Longwell, managing director of the American Beverage Institute, which lobbies on behalf of taverns and restaurants. “If you go to the ball game and happen to have a beer you wouldn’t be able drive home,” she says.
Like those “Objects may be closer …” warnings on outside car mirrors, opponents warn that brave new technology may be nearer than it appears. Nissan is now testing various systems that don’t even require a Breathalyzer to detect drinking. One system uses a tiny camera to observe facial expressions, another system being tested checks blood alcohol levels though sensors when the driver grasps the shift control and a third system uses the car’s internal computer to calculate if a motorist is steering erratically. Ford already has a system that allows parents to limit the speed of a vehicle driven by a youthful motorist, and Mercedes-Benz’s new E-Class comes with a system that issues an audible warning if the driver gets drowsy.
MADD president Chuck Hurley doesn’t deny he would like to see such systems put into service, but says wider use of such technology is 10 years off, and MADD isn’t calling for automakers to install it now. Current Breathalyzer technology, he said, would make a big difference almost immediately. In New Mexico, for example, DUI fatalities have been reduced 35% since the state began requiring all convicted DUI offenders to use an ignition interlock device. “Studies have shown alcohol ignition interlocks to be effective in reducing recidivism,” concurs Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
In continuing to look for ways to curb drunk driving, MADD is emphasizing its negative economic impact. MADD estimates that drunk driving now accounts for 18% of the nation’s auto-insurance bill and 20% of all emergency-room costs that are never reimbursed, as well as 16% of all probation costs and 6% of all jail cells used in the U.S.
Tags
Driving under the influence, drunk driving, Ignition interlock device, Mercedes-Benz, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, New Mexico, U.S, United States
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July 1st, 2009, No Comments »
Jani Lane lead glam-rock band.
Jani Lane, the lead singer and songwriter for the band Warrant, was arrested for driving under the influence in the Los Angeles area. Lane reportedly struck a parked car in the San Fernando valley around 9:30 pm Wednesday. Officers form the Los Angeles Police Department suspected intoxication after Lane failed a field sobriety test and booked him at the Van Nuys Division station for misdemeanor CA DUI. His bail was set at $30,000.
Lane, 45, lead the glam-metal band during the late 80’s and into the 90’s, creating hits like ‘Heaven’ and ‘Cherry Pie‘. He left Warrant in 2002 to start a solo career. Shortly after releasing an album, he entered a rehab program due to exhaustion from alcohol and drug use. He later rejoined Warrant only to again leave the group and be replaced as lead singer.
If you have questions for an Orange County DUI lawyer, call me at (714) 568-1560.
Tags
California, Counties, Driving under the influence, Jani Lane, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Police Department, San Fernando Valley, United States
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July 1st, 2009, No Comments »
Orange County Announces July 4th Crackdown On Drunk Drivers
The Avoid the 38-Orange County DUI Campaign Task Force today announced its officers will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period, cracking down on impaired drivers with an aggressive “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” enforcement blitz. “Driving while drunk isn’t worth the tremendous risk. No matter your age, if you’ve had too much holiday spirit, you’d better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high,” said Anaheim Police Chief John Welter.
Avoid the 38 – Orange County cited recent nationwide statistics to underscore the importance of the crackdown. In 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashes during the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007 to 5:59 a.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2007) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
During the July 4th holiday period in 2007, there were a total of 200 traffic-related fatalities. Of those, 44 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. . During the 2008 Independence Day Holiday weekend, California’s Alcohol Involved Deaths totaled 17 and another 382 suffered injuries, some life changing, due to intoxication. (The 2008 data is provisional information) “Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident—nor is it a victimless crime. It’s vitally important that we bring this tragic situation to an end,” said Chief John Welter.
The Avoid the 38 campaign failed to mention the substantial drop in DUI arrests for 2008.
Avoid the 38 – Orange County will be deploying a large number of officers for DUI/Drivers License Checkpoints and multiple Local DUI Saturation Patrols during the 3 day holiday weekend. All city police and Orange County Sheriff patrols along with the CHP, who is deploying 80% of all officers onto freeways, state routes and county roads will be stepping up DUI stops locally and statewide. Chief Welter said following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road.
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
- Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate: Report Drunk Drivers, Call 9-1-1!
Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.
“No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, or motorcycle—if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested,” said Chief Welter. “Don’t let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember. Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”
For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org
CONTACT:
Sgt. Rick Martinez, Anaheim Police Department Public Information Officer: (714) 765-1521
Mr. Jim Amormino, Director of Public Affairs, Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. 714 647-7042
For further information, contact: www.californiaavoid.org
And, if you have questions for an Orange County DUI Specialist, or have been arrested for DUI, call (714) 568-1560.
Greta Scacchi
Tags
Blood alcohol content, California, California Highway Patrol, Driver's license, Driving under the influence, drunk driving, orange county, Puerto Rico
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June 24th, 2009, No Comments »
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint in San Juan Capistrano from 7 pm to 3 am Saturday, June 27.
Although DUI Checkpoints are horribly ineffective in finding drunk drivers, police and MADD love them, because they give the right political appearances and give MADD volunteers something to do.
If you have any questions for an Orange County DUI Lawyer, contact me anytime at 714-568-1560.
Tags
Driving under the influence, drunk driving, dui, dui checkpoint, Dui Checkpoints, orange county drunk driving
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June 19th, 2009, No Comments »
The Costa Mesa Police Department has scheduled a checkpoint for June 20, 2009. The DUI Checkpoint is scheduled from 8pm to 2:00 a.m., and the location is Northbound Newport Boulevard at 22nd Street. Information is at http://www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us/docs/pdpress/2009-06-16-DUI-checkpoint.pdf
If you were arrested at an Orange County DUI Checkpoint, or have questions for our Orange County DUI Lawyers, call us anytime at 714-568-1560.
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June 12th, 2009, No Comments »
HUNTINGTON BEACH Police officers will conduct a sobriety checkpoint this weekend in Surf City.
The checkpoint is scheduled for Beach Boulevard, just south of Slater Avenue, police officials said.
On May 30 and 31, officers screened 419 drivers for driving under the influence at a similar checkpoint, reported Huntington Beach police Traffic Supervisor Sgt. Rob Warden. A total of 1,506 motorists went through the checkpoint, he said.
One motorist was arrested for driving under the influence and two others were given citations for being unlicensed or carrying suspended licenses, he said. Eight other citations were issued.
Beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday, officers will focus on catching drunk drivers on Beach. The checkpoint will be clearly marked and vehicles will be selected for checking on a pre-set basis until 3 a.m. Sunday, officials reported.
Officers will distribute brochures on impaired driving to motorists. Law enforcement will check driver’s licenses and direct suspected impaired drivers to a secondary check area for further evaluation.
The checkpoints are funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Tags
dui checkpoint, Dui Checkpoints, huntington beach, orange county
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June 4th, 2009, No Comments »
The Costa Mesa Police Department conducted a sobriety checkpoint on Tuesday June 2, 2009, at Baker Street east of Bear Street.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency and is part of a National enforcement campaign.
During the hours of operation, 959 vehicles drove through the checkpoint, 345 vehicles were stopped, and 15 drivers were screened for driving under the influence.
There were no DUI arrests. 5 drivers were arrested for driving without driver licenses and 3 drivers arrested for driving on a suspended license.
A total of 11 citations were issued for miscellaneous vehicle code violations and 5 vehicles were impounded.
The Costa Mesa Police Department will be teaming up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) for another checkpoint on June 26 th.
If you are looking for a Costa Mesa DUI attorney, contact me at 714-568-1560.
Tags
Baker Street, Blood alcohol content, California, Driver's license, Driving, Driving under the influence, drunk driving, police
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June 4th, 2009, No Comments »
The Escondido Police Department will be conducting a Sobriety / Drivers License Checkpoint in the City of Escondido on Saturday night, June 6, 2009 from 6:00 PM until 12:30 AM.
The emphasis of the checkpoint will be to detect drunk drivers and those with suspended, revoked, or no driver license and to continue our education / awareness campaign on the dangers of driving impaired.
This checkpoint is an effort to continue the Escondido Police Department’s commitment to traffic safety by reducing the number of people killed and injured in alcohol-involved collisions.
The checkpoint is being conducted in conjunction with the North County Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Council and Mothers against Drunk Drivers.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sgt. Dana Ray
PHONE: (760) 839-4960
If you have been arrested for DUI in Orange County, contact me anytime at 714-568-1560.
Tags
Alcohol, Health, Law, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, police, Road traffic safety
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June 4th, 2009, No Comments »
The Moreno Valley Police Department, in its continued dedication to public safety, will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License CHECKPOINT. The checkpoint will be held on June 5, 2009 from 2:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
This checkpoint is part of the ongoing public safety awareness effort being made by the City of Moreno Valley. The focus of the checkpoint will be to reduce drug and alcohol-related collisions through public awareness of the problem, while removing drunk drivers from the roadway. The Moreno Valley Police Department takes a proactive approach in the education of our citizens and enforcement of the laws dealing with drinking and driving.
Report Drunk Driving – Call 911
Drunk driving is a major cause of fatal and injury collisions each year. We are seeking your assistance in saving lives. If you are on the roadways and you observe a possible drunk driver call 911 immediately. Officers will be dispatched to the location and make every effort to prevent the impaired driver from continuing to pose a threat.
The Moreno Valley Police Department wishes to remind you that if you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, please designate a sober driver before getting into a vehicle. Remember “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest!” For additional information, the Moreno Valley Police Department Traffic Division may be reached at (951) 486-6900.
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY
Police Department
Press Release
If you have been arrested for an Orange County DUI, please contact our lawyers at 714-568-1560.
Tags
Alcoholic beverage, Driver's license, Driving, Driving under the influence, drunk driving, Health, Law, police
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June 4th, 2009, No Comments »
Actor Rip Torn was sentenced to probation after pleading not guilty to a charge of driving under the influence in Connecticut. Torn was arrested on December 14, 2008 after police spotted him driving in the break-down lane of a highway in Salisbury. Police reportedly had been alerted to his impaired condition by patrons of the White Hart Inn, where he was seen stumbling to his car.
The judge approved Torn’s admittance to an alcohol education program and required the 78-year old to undergo a driver’s test.
Torn is an Emmy winner and Academy Award nominee who appears on the NBC show ‘30 Rock’. He has two previous DUI offenses. He paid a fine and lost his license for an arrest in April 2007, and was acquitted following a 2004 arrest.
If you have questions for DUI attorneys in Orange County, call our firm at 714-568-1560.
Tags
30 Rock, Academy Award, Connecticut, Driving under the influence, Emmy Award, Law, NBC, Rip Torn
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