Drunk Driving Accidents Decline In Missouri, But New Year’s Eve Still Dangerous

Even though alcohol-related car accidents and deaths have fallen in Missouri and across the nation, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are still considered one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. There’s been a lot of added publicity surrounding drunk driving accidents, DWI checkpoints and a noticeable increase in police presences for the holidays.

Drunk Driver Faces Deceased Victim’s Father

Tyron Martin Jr.’s blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he rear-ended William Wilson III. On top of having such a high blood-alcohol level, he was driving with a suspended license and had no insurance.

‘RoboCop’ Teams Up With NHTSA In The Latest Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration teamed up with ‘RoboCop’ as part of a new $7.5 million ad campaign. This new campaign video comes out just in time for the holiday season.

Tougher Drunk Driving Laws Take Effect January 1st

In Denver, drivers who refuse to take a sobriety test will be labeled a persistent drunk driver as of January 1^st. The result of this will be not being able to drive for two months.

Pushing To Change Maryland and District of Columbia Drunk Driving Law

Mothers Against Drunk Driving are trying to make a change. According to Jan Withers with M.A.D.D., 20 states require all convicted drunk drivers to use an ignition interlock device.

DUI Driver Killing 4 Receives Probation. His Defense…Affluenza

Money can’t buy you love, but apparently it can allow you to get away with intoxicated manslaughter. Spoiled Texas teen, Ethan Couch’s blood alcohol levels were three times the legal limit when he crashed his car going 70 miles per hour. Due to Couch’s pure idiocy, four people were killed, leaving an additional nine injured.

Help Airmen Get Home Safely

The Edwards Air Force Base in California is collecting volunteers for their campaign “Airmen Against Drunk Driving”. To cut down drunk driving, they are looking for volunteers to be designated drivers for Air Force members this holiday season. 

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”, New Jersey’s Latest Campaign

New Jersey law enforcement officials will be setting up checkpoints around Somerset County to get drunk drivers off the road this holiday season. The campaign and crackdown will continue through the beginning of the New Year and will raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. 

New Mexico Couple Pushes for Harsher DWI Punishments

After being struck by a drunk driver while seven month pregnant, Aileen Smith is urging the state to toughen the laws for reoccurring DWI offenses. Ramon Hernandez, who hit Smith and killer her unborn son, had four prior DWI offenses on his record. 

31st Candlelight Vigil for Rhode Island Victims

Mothers Against Drunk Driving recently held their 31^st candlelight vigil at Smithfield High School. Over 300 friends, family and victims were in attendance; some directly impacted and others just showing their support. As attendees waited in line to share their heart-breaking stories, tears were shed throughout the room. 

The “Sober Sleigh” Campaign

In Texas, you can find a red limousine traveling to various cities to ask patrons to join the pledge to drive sober this holiday season. The limousine is decked out with a reindeer pattern and a large bow on the top. 

Six Hospitalized After Two Drivers Collide

Two alleged drunk drivers collided in Oroville, Washington in mid-afternoon. The crash left two young children and a pedestrian hospitalized. The pedestrian pushed another female pedestrian out of the way of the oncoming car, leaving him injured. 

Speeding While Intoxicated

A 17-year-old diver of Madison, Wisconsin, was clocked going 100 miles per hour early Sunday morning. Hilario Lopez-Xelhua was arrested after the deputy conducted field sobriety tests. 

Ohio County Raising Awareness About Drinking & Driving

Media County, of Ohio, has seen a decrease in deaths caused by drunken driving in the past year. The community has increased efforts to prevent drunken driving by adding sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols. These efforts have raised awareness around the community about the dangers of drunken driving. 

A Young Girl Hopes to Spread Drunk Driving Awareness

A 14-year-old girl, Dakota Baker, of Moultrie, Georgia, wants her voice to be heard regarding drunk driving. The Baker family lost their son to a drunken driver in 2010. Dakota hopes to encourage people not to drink and drive because of the effects it has on everyone involved. 

Most Wonderful or Most Dangerous Time of Year?

The holidays have proven to be the most dangerous time of the year, regarding drunken driving deaths. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reported that from Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is the most celebrated time of year, alcohol included.

Gillette Stadium Owners Reach Agreement for Drunken Driving Deaths

After attending Country Fest at Gillette stadium about five years back, two young girls were killed in a drunken driving accident after tailgating. 20-year-old Deborah David and 19-year-old Alexa Lateo were both killed on the night of the concert.

‘Friends Against Drunk Driving’

Vivian Vergayes, whose friend was killed by a drunken driver, has started a new non-profit organization called “Friends Against Drunk Driving”. The goal of the organization is to establish a go-to person for those who have lost a friend or loved one due to a drunken driver.

Viral Video Leads to Prison Time for a Drunken Driver

Matthew Cordle, of Ohio, who confessed via a YouTube to driving drunk and killing a man, was sentenced to six and half years in prison and lifetime suspension of his license. Several days following the video’s release, Cordle surrendered to authorities and he was charged for the crash.

Drunk Driver Pleads for Help, Not Jail-Time

Scott Fitzgerald, of Winnipeg, argues he needs help, not punishment for his two DUI convictions that left two people injured. Fitzgerald pleaded for “curative discharge”. The discharge would allow him to complete treatment during probation rather than serving jail time. 

Zombies Against Drunk Driving

The Utah Highway Patrol teamed up with Zombies Against Drunk Driving for the second time in the past two years to remind drivers of the affects of drunken driving. Halloween is a holiday that lends itself to many DUI arrests each year, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.

“Walk Like MADD” Raises Awareness For Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving held a fund raiser in Fort Worth, Texas last week to raise money for awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and how it can be prevented.  Fort Worth youth pastor Brian Jennings and 3 women were recently killed in an accident involving a drunk driving.

1,000th Repeat OWI Offender in Milwaukee since 2010

Kevin Hutchins of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was arrested during the early morning after leading Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Deputies on a high speed, 7 mile chase.  After being spotted driving in the wrong lane, police attempted to pull Hutchins over who sped away from police in an attempt to escape.  Hutchins had been arrested for OWI twice before. 

Man Arrested for Driving Lawnmower Drunk

Tony Caulder, of Kennebunk, Maine, was recently arrested for driving under the influence after he was arrested while operating a ride-on lawnmower. Caulder was allegedly already drunk when he decided to take a trip to the convenience store to get more beer. So he climbed onto his lawnmower and rode it to the store where employees refused to sell him any alcohol due to his intoxicated state. 

Drunk Woman Strikes Biker with 4 Children in Her Car

A man riding his bike in Portland, Oregon was hit from behind from a car that sped off after knocking him off of his bike, luckily without being seriously injured.  A couple who witnessed the hit and run followed the car a few blocks where the driver was arrested. 

Plumber Convicted of DUI is Still Driving for the Seattle Government

Art Cochrane of Seattle, WA has been convicted multiple times for driving under the influence of alcohol. Back in 2002 he spent two days in jail and had to attend a DUI victim’s panel after crashing his car into a ditch and having a blood alcohol content of 0.18. 

Indiana Firefighter Arrested Twice In One Week for DUI

A firefighter in Bloomington, Indiana was arrested twice in one week for driving while intoxicated.  The firefighter, James Parrott, was charged with two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, one count of OUI with a BAC greater than 0.15, and one count of OUI with a BAC between 0.08 and 0.15.  On Thursday, October 24^th, Parrott was shockingly sentenced to no jail time.

Police Step Up Patrols With Halloween Approaching

Halloween is today and this year police in Dewitt, New York are preparing for partying and drinking to be done in excess.  They rank Halloween night on the same level as New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day in regards to drinking and driving. 

Mayor In Michigan Arrested For DUI

Michael Estes, Mayor of Traverse City, Michigan, was arrested last week after attending a candidate forum for the election on November 5. Estes was stopped by a Traverse City police officer after he crossed into the oncoming lane then swerved across the road into a bicycle lane. 

California Woman Hit and Killed Couple in Alleged Drunk Driving Accident

Kamal Kaur and Balbir Singh, of East Palo Alto, were out walking their dog in Melno Park, California, when they were struck from behind by a vehicle. Kaur and Singh had three young children who were not with them at the time of the accident.

Matthew Cordle Convicted After Youtube Confession

22-year-old Matthew Cordle, of Powell, Ohio, recently uploaded a video to youtube where he confesses to killing a man in a drunk driving accident. In the video confessional Cordle admits that on June 22, 2013 he struck Navy veteran, Vincent Canzani, leading to his death.

Batman Wasn’t Needed to Arrest This Joker

A Pittsfield, Maine man, Dennis Lalime, was arrested for driving under the influence after leaving a Halloween party. His face painted as the Joker from Batman, he crashed into multiple trees and rocks.

More States Adopting 24/7 Sobriety Program

Nebraska lawmakers are implementing a preventative program used in South Dakota that includes a breathalyzer test twice a day for offenders.

High School Senior’s Death Shows Regularity of Underage Drinking

The small village of Ottawa Hills, Ohio realized the prevalence of adolescent drinking after high school senior, Brian Hoeflinger was killed in February.

Modesto Police Setting up Friday Night DUI Checkpoint

Starting in October,DUI checkpoints were set up randomly around Modesto, CA. Officers will briefly stop all vehicles passing through the checkpoint and scrutinize drivers suspected of being intoxicated.

Young Boy Hit By Drunk Driver, Who Brings Him To The Hospital

3 year old, Olvin Figueroa of Queens, was hit by a drunk driver on the night of October 11th. The driver, Gilbert Echeverria, came back to the scene to help Figueroa’s parents take the boy to the hospital.

Tennessee Titan Delanie Walker Will Host MADD Fundraiser

Delanie Walker, Tight End for the Tennessee Titans, will be hosting a fundraiser in coordination with Mothers Against Drunk Driving on Monday the 21^st in Nashville.

Drunken Driving Simulator Creates Realism

At a Texas community college, Alvin Community College, students were giving the opportunity to drive a drunk driving simulator.  Students drove the simulator, which demonstrated how intoxication limits someone’s ability to drive on the highway. 

4 Million in U.S. Admit Drunk Driving

According to the CDC, four million Americans admit driving when they’ve had too much to drink. If we just count those that admit to driving drunk, then that means that alcohol-impaired drivers were on the road an estimated 112 million times last year.

A Sober Friend in Trouble for Driving Her Drunk Friend?

Erin Cox, captain of the North Andover Volleyball team, thought she was making the right decision when she got a call from her friend asking to be picked up because she was too drunk to drive. Little did Cox know she would be suspended for five games and lose her title of captain.

Woman Faces DUI Charge For Telling 911 She Was Too Drunk To Exit Car

Carol Frances Omeara, 55, was arrested after calling 911 saying she was too drunk to get out of her vehicle.

Jon Sandusky, Son of Jerry, Accused of Drunk Driving

Jerry Sandusky’s son, Jon was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Fargo police saw 36 year old Jon Sandusky making an illegal turn. After performing a field sobriety test, Lt. Joel Vettel decided he was driving under the influence.

Longer Bar Hours, More Drunken Drivers?

A proposal to lengthen the hours bars in Michigan could serve alcohol has some people worried it could result in more drunk driving and more crime. Supporters believe it will boost revenue and attract more young people. 

A Drunken Driver’s Plea to High School Students

Sarah Panzau, a very lucky survivor of drunken driving, is speaking at schools across the country to high school students. Panzau was given a zero percent chance of surviving after driving drunk ten years ago. 

Nursing Student Struck and Killed by Drunken Driver

A drunken driver recently killed a senior nursing student near Chico State University. Kristina Chesterman was announced brain dead in late September after she was hit riding her bike.

Free Beverages Worries a Drunk Driving Campaign Partner

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is concerned with Jacksonville Jaguar’s newest promotion. To generate revenue, the franchise offered two free drink vouchers with a minimum ticket purchase. MADD is a partner of the NFL and together they promote a safe experience for fans. With the Jaguar’s most recent promotion, MADD is worried they may do it again. 

NTSB Not Giving Up On Proposal to Drop Legal Driving BAC Limits

The head of the National Transportation Safety Board defended the agency’s proposal to lower the legal limit for drunken driving from .08 percent blood-alcohol content to .05 or lower.

Bill To Toughen Drunk Driving Penalties Hits Setback

State lawmakers have backed off a bill that would have made a first time drunk driving offense a criminal offense. Wisconsin is notorious for being the only state in the nation that treats a first offense with just a civil violation - like a speeding ticket with stiff financial fine.

Impaired Driving Case Could Establish Precedent

 A court case charging a casino valet whom should not have handed the keys over to a visibly intoxicated driver could set a precedent. The case centers around Richard Moranko, who left the casino intoxicated on Jan. 15, 2011, with a blood alcohol level of 0.329, more than four times the legal limit, after retrieving his vehicle from its valet service.

Seattle Families Come Together to Raise Awareness

Families gathered for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving 5K at a Seattle park. Whether they had directly been impacted or knew someone who lost a person because of a drunk driver. All the patrons who participated in the walk/run gathered in effort to raise awareness.

School Bus Driver Charged With DUI

A South Elgin woman has been charged with operating her school bus while under the influence of alcohol. Jill Beebe, 42, was letting students off the bus at a West Chicago school when a school employee thought she smelled alcohol on Beebe’s breath.

Feeling Tipsy? New Apps Read Blood Alcohol Levels, Hail A Taxi

New iPhone and Android apps are giving people the ability to not only get a reading on their blood alcohol levels, but will even call a cab in their area if they are unable to drive.

Miami Beach Cops Arresting People for DUI a Lot Less, but Not Because People Are Drunk Driving Less

In 2009, Miami Beach police arrested jut fewer than 1,300 people for DUI. Last year, only a mere 492 people and this year they are only projected to arrest about 442 people.

People's Beliefs on Drunk Driving May Change When They're Drunk

Researchers at the University of Missouri analyzed 82 young adults and compared their willingness and attitudes toward drunk driving when sober and after drinking moderate amounts of alcohol. They found that “although people may know that drinking and driving is a bad idea, those sober beliefs may go out the window after a few drinks.”

British Columbia Drunk Driving Deaths Cut Nearly in Half

A couple, who had lost their four year old daughter after a woman ran her over while driving intoxicated, launched a campaign to changes drunk driving laws in their Province. 

Nightclub’s ‘Pee-Analyzer’ Could Stop You from Driving Drunk

A nightclub in Singapore has outfitted their men’s urinals with detectors that test the blood-alcohol level in the patron’s urine. When club-goers enter the club they hand over the keys and are given computerized RFID cards. 

How drunk is too drunk to drive? It’s a debate

What constitutes drunk driving is up for debate again after the Chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, Deborah Hersman made a recommendation to lower the legal limit of intoxication to a blood-alcohol content of 0.05 from 0.08. 

Bad-News Babysitter

A babysitter out of Rochester Hills was charged with fourth-degree child abuse and drunken driving. Natalie Jeanette Krisfalusi left the child she was watching strapped to a baby swing and she crashed the mother’s car in a near by area in the early-morning hours. 

Natalie Jeanette Krisfalusi / Oakland County Sheriff's Office

I Killed A Man…

‘I Killed A Man,’ a frightening first line for Matthew Cordle’s YouTube video. 22-year-old Cordle was a suspect in the investigation for a deadly car crash that killed Vincent Canzani.

New Jersey Town Receives Grant

Hamilton Township, located in New Jersey, received a grant of $4,400 to help catch drunken drivers in the area around the Labor Day holiday weekend. Over the course of Labor Day Weekend 2011, 138 people were killed around the US in car accidents involving drivers with a blood alcohol content level over the legal limit.

Leading by Example

No one sets an example in today’s society like professional athletes. Uber, a smartphone app that is designed to help eliminate drunk driving by offering different types of car services virtually anywhere, has planned to team up with NFL players.

130 DUI Arrests

A recent crackdown in Lansing, Michigan has resulted in over 130 DUI arrests. The city put more police officers on the roads around the 4^th of July to maintain public safety. From July 1^st to July 7^th the “Drive Sober or get Pulled Over” crackdown took place. During this time there were 131 drunk driving arrests, 45 drug-related motorist arrests, and 110 fugitives were caught.

3 Doors Down Co-founder Gets Trial Date

Todd Harrell, co-founder of 3 Doors Down, received a trial date of August 22 on a misdemeanor DUI charge as well as felony charges including vehicular manslaughter by intoxication in Nashville this past April. The alleged felony charges say Harrell was impaired by prescription drugs and alcohol on April 26 when his car clipped a pickup truck on Interstate 40 in Nashville. The other driver, Paul Howard Shoulders Jr., 47, died in the crash.

Attorneys have said Harrell voluntarily checked himself into a rehabilitation center in April after he posted a $100,000 bond for his release from the Nashville jail.

Click here to read the full article.

Drunk Driver Ordered to Pay $5M for Killing College Student

Drunk driving costs. Not only can drunk driving cost lives, but it can also cost your life savings. On October 24, 2009, 20-year old Baily Sloan was hit and killed by a drunk driver. The driver was convicted and is serving a 6-year sentence. Sloan’s parents, Becky and Michael, sued Redmond for the death of their daughter. The jury awarded Becky a total of $5.65 million.

To read more click here.

The state of Virginia has doubled the number of DUI offenders required to install Ignition Interlock Devices in their vehicles since a stricter law went into affect. This law, which has been in place since June 1, 2012, targets first time DUI offenders. Previously, the devices were only required if drivers were convicted of two or more DUI convictions or if their first DUI conviction included a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.15 or higher.

To read the full article, click here.

Gov. Cuomo Toughens Leandra's Law

Governor Cuomo of NY signed into law a new bill to keep more drunk drivers off of New York roads. This new legislation toughens Leandra's Law, a bill that was passed in 2009 which targeted those who drive drunk with children in the vehicles. The new provisos of Leandra's Law affect persons who drive drunk on a conditional license.

These new provisions will make it a felony for anyone to drive drunk on a conditional license. Before this bill was signed into law, it has only been a traffic infraction to be caught drinking drunk with a conditional license.

More About Leandra's Law:
Leandra's Law is named after 11 year old Leandra Rosado who was killed in October 2009 when the adult driving her  and her friends crashed the car on the Henry Hudson Parkway in NYC. The driver was arrested for DWI. This followed the horrific "Taconic Crash" in which 8 people were killed, 4 of them children. Mr. Rosado, Leandra's father, quickly teamed with MADD, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., Assemblman Harvey Weisenberg and the Governor of NY to pass this legislation on child endangerment and ignition interlocks. The resulting "Leandra's Law" elevates the crime of drunk driving with a child in the car to a Class E felony punishable up to 4 years in prison; if the child is injured, 7 years; and if killed, 15 years. It also mandates ignition interlocks for the cars of all convicted DWI offenders for a minimum of 6 months.

To read the full article, click here.

To learn more about Leandra's Law, click here.

Illinois Governor Cracks Down On Drunk Boating

Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois, signed as series of bills into law to enhance public safety on waterways in Illinois. The new bill states that anyone operating a motorboat involved in an accident must consent to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine to determine their blood alcohol or drug content.

Refusal of the testing or failing to pass the alcohol or drug testing may result in the the suspension of of their Illinois driver's license.

To read the full article, click here.

Billings Woman Gets 13th DUI Offense Dismissed

Lori Ann Cole, a Billings resident, struck a plea agreement with Yellowstone County District Court with allowed her to have her 13th DUI offense dismissed. Instead, on Monday July 22, Cole, 55, appeared before the court and was ordered to serve a three-year suspended sentence for the charge of felony criminal endangerment. Additionally, Cole was ordered by the judge to pay a fine of $1,000 and serve a concurrent six-month suspended jail term for a misdemeanor charge.

To read the full article, click here.

Singapore's Pee-Analyzer Combats Drunk Driving

A nightclub in Singapore is attempting to decrease the number of fatal accidents caused by drunk driving by analyzing a person's alcohol levels in their urine called "The Pee Analyzer". The Pee Analyzer is a multi-step monitoring program that begins as soon as a person parks their vehicle at the club.

When the patron pulls up to the club, the valet givens them an RFID-enabled parking pass in exchange for their keys. This pass is self updating, reporting new statuses every time the person uses the urinals in the bathrooms. If the pass indicates that the user has had too much to drink, it will display messages directly in front of the urinal saying, “Maybe you’ve had one too many to drive; call a cab or use our drive home service.”

To read the full article or learn more about this new product, click here.

Hamptons Mom Drives Drunk With Toddler After Assaulting Nanny

Laura Bowery-Falco, 44, Hamptons mother of two, is accused of assaulting her her nanny after the nanny tried to stop her from driving drunk with her toddler in the vehicle. Authorities reported the 20-year-old nanny believed Bowery-Falco was intoxicated and did not want her to taking her 14-month old in the car.

During the scuffle, Bowery-Falco grabbed the nanny by her hair and pulled her to the ground, which she then attempted to punch her in the face. Bowery-Falco then drove down the road to her mother's home, eight houses away, where she was then arrested.

To read the full article, click here.

DUI in the NFl

On June 11 the Denver Broncos’ director of pro personnel was charged with a DUI. This is the second time a member of the Broncos’ personnel was charged with a DUI. His crime occurred a mere month after he was hired by the Broncos (he had previously worked for the Philadelphia Eagles, and more recently the Cleveland Browns). The second member of the personnel to be convicted was Matt Russell, who was coincidentally arrested a few weeks later. 

Jason Kidd Pleads Guilty

Jason Kidd, former NBA star turned coach of the Brooklyn Nets, pled guilty to drunk driving in New York. Back on July 15, 2012, Kidd was arrested for driving his SUV into a telephone pole at 2 am after a night of partying at a club. Avoiding jail time, Kidd was placed on interim probation and was also ordered to speak to high school students in Long Island about the dangers of drunk driving.

To read the full article, click here.

Drunk Driving Hotline Helps Law Enforcements

During this past 4th of July holiday, drivers were reminded to stay sober when traveling and to be vigilant of drunk drivers. In Nebraska, road signs were placed along interstates and highways flashing the message: "Report Drunk Drivers Immediately. Dial *55." By dialing *55, callers were connected to Nebraska Patrol Dispatch where they were then put through to local law enforcement.

This campaign has been around for many years, but it was unaware to many people. It was during the holiday weekend that the Nebraska Department of Highway Safety decided to advertise *55.

To read the full article, go here

6 drivers in 7-car pile-up charged with drunk driving

Georgia authorities report six of seven drivers involved in an early morning pile-up were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol Friday morning after the 4th of July holiday. The accident was caused by a pedestrian attempting to walk onto Interstate 75 at 3 am that morning, who was then later charged for being in the roadway.

The accident left five of the drunken drivers in jail and the sixth in the hospital. The pedestrian was also taken to the hospital after being struck by one of the vehicles.

Click here to read the full article

Girl Takes Keys From Drunk Driver Who Killed Friend

Jessilyn Eisman of Council Bluffs Iowa was in a car with three of her friends one Friday morning when the struck by a van heading the wrong way on Veterans Memorial Highway. The operator of the van, Hilberto Velasques-Ramirez, 31, allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .178, more than twice the legal limit.

Once the incident occurred, Eisman, who suffered minor injuries herself, crawled out of the wrecked vehicle and told Ramirez to call 911, in which he refused. Realizing that he was trying to leave the scene of the accident, Eisman took the keys out of Ramirez' vehicle so he could no longer drive away.

To read the full article, click here

Twenty Arrested

For 20 people in Independence and Gladstone Missouri drinking and driving led to their arrests. Starting Friday night June 14 police in Independence, Missouri began a saturation Patrol which ran from 10 p.m. Friday night until 3 a.m. Saturday morning. They also ran a checkpoint. The result ended in six arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. During the search for drunk drivers 36 violations were reported, six drivers were found operating without valid license and 14 other arrests were made.

Sorry Ford

In east Texas, a dirt stock car racer Tommy Ford, a father to his daughter Bailee, a lover to his girlfriend and a son to his mother. Tommy lost his life when he was riding in the bed of his friend’s pick-up truck.  The driver, who was driving as well sped down a country back road, missed a turn and crashed into a tree. Tommy suffered a fatal head injury from the truck’s tool box.  

Burbank Resident Faces Life In Prison

Bradford Pate, a 38-year old Burbank resident, was charged with two counts of murder on Tuesday 6/25/13 after he slammed his car into oncoming traffic on the 14 freeway in California. He was also charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI.

Pate was allegedly driving his Toyota Tundra south on the north side of the freeway. It was then when he drove head-on into Dr. Manard Giles, a pastor of The Answer Community Church of God in Christ in Lancaster, CA. If convicted, Pate faces up to life in prison.

To read the full article, click here

Found Guilty

John I. Dixon IV, a police officer of Petersburg, VA was found guilty Tuesday of driving while intoxicated while off-duty. The 31 year old was sentenced to six months in jail with five months 25 days suspended. His drivers license was also suspended for a year. It is unknown whether Dixon IV is still with the Petersburg Police Department.

To read more click here.

Titans Player Supports New Tennessee DUI Law

Tennessee Titans player Delanie Walker who lost his aunt and uncle in a drunk driving related crash in February now wants to help prevent this from happening to others.

Intoxicated Woman Crashes Car Not Once, But Three Times

At 1:15 in the afternoon on Tuesday 6/25/13, intoxicated Margery Zalusky, 52, crashed her car three times within two miles of travel before getting arrested by Syracuse police. Zalusky started off by rear-ending a parked car, only to leave the scene and collide with two vehicles a short time later in a parking lot. Her drunken adventure came to an end after she came to an off-road construction zone, where she collided head-on with a construction excavator.

Two 24-ounce cans of beer were found in the wreckage of her totaled car. She was taken into custody and brought to St. Joseph's Hospital until she sobered up. Zalusky was released on an appearance ticket.

Read the full article here

Cold Dinner

Elesha Cruey’s husband, Rhett, and seven-year-old son, Skyler made a quick trip to the Ranger’s Ballpark to pick up tickets. It wasn’t far so Elesha stayed home preparing dinner for the family and she expected them back home in no time.  Her parents were visiting and her mother was watching the evening news when there was a horrific crash on the freeway, recognizing one of the cars that were on fire she called Rhett’s phone many times with no answer.

Britain's New Drunk Driving Prevention Campaign

What would you do if you saw a person’s face smash through a bathroom mirror? You’d freak out… right? That was the idea behind the British government’s latest anti-drunk driving campaign for THINK! Produced by Leo Burnett Worldwide, as pub goers entered the bathroom and took care of their business, a mannequin was thrown at the mirror from the opposite side to simulate a pedestrian hitting a windshield, complete with fake blood.

9-Year Old Victim Shares Her Story

Chilli Vasquez, a 9-year old girl from Fort Worth, Texas, shares her story of how she became the unfortunate victim of a drunk driver. Two years ago on July 9, 2011, Chilli was with her sister, aunt, and cousins when they were hit head-on by a drunk driver. After spending over 3 months in the hospital recovering, it is likely that she will spend the rest of her life confined to a wheelchair. The driver that hit Vasquez and her family, Jeremy Solis, is currently serving a 10-year sentence in prison.

With the July 4 holiday approaching, Chilli and her mother, Arabella, have teamed up with the Texas Department of Transportation as part of their "Faces of Drunk Driving" campaign.

To read the full article and see Chilli's interview, click here

One Last Time

Having to wake up in her bed one summer night and sleeping in a prison cell the next. One upper middle-class 51 year old woman ran out her luck. From years of drunk driving and being pulled over with nothing but a speeding ticket. This former court clerk, single mother of 2 sons was going to face a year without her license, a fine of $2,500 and pay a $90 a week for an alcohol abuse counselor.

Gone Too Soon

New college graduates of UC Berkeley, Milanca Lopez and Jose Lumbreras were involved in an unfortunate car crash after celebrating their newly received degrees. In this accident, both Milanca Lopez, and her 6 yr. old son were killed when an intoxicated Jose crashed into a tree at 65 mph.  It was reported that Lumbreras’ blood alcohol level exceeded 2x the legal limit, at .16%, while Milanca’s alcohol level was .11%. Both Milanca and Jose weren’t wearing seat belts and while the child did wear a seat belt, he wasn’t put in booster seat as suggested for his age and size.

The 13-year-old Designated Driver

Responsibilities of an average 13 year old include: washing dishes, mowing the lawn, cleaning their room, and maybe doing the laundry. Unfortunately for 13-year-old son of Heather Choulos, his responsibility included lugging two intoxicated adults to safety. Heather Choulos, Donald Hughes and child stopped at a local pizzeria when the two adults chugged a bottle of wine. They then assigned the poor 13 year old to Designated driver duties.

Kristin Hannah’s Night Road

If you have never heard of the author Kristen Hannah and you are interested to learn more, pick up a copy of her book Night Road. Readers become invested in the characters lives and stories. Night Road follows the journey of three high school students who make the decision to drive drunk and have to life with the consequences. The main characters Jude, Lexi, Zach and Mia struggle throughout the novel with tragedy and emotions. Warning: The remainder of this article contains spoilers from the book; so if you plan to read the novel, do not continue the article!

Think Before You Act

When you are young you often think you are invincible. You think that your actions will not have consequences, and that no matter what you do nothing really bad would ever actually happen. This is an unrealistic way to view things. Every action you make has a consequence. When you drive drunk, not only are you endangering yourself but also others.

Drunk Driving: Keeping it in the Family

It definitely wasn’t an ideal night for a family of three in South Canterbury.  After a wild night, 15-year-old unnamed suspect was taken into custody when failing a Breathalyzer test, blowing 529 micrograms and exceeding more than 3x the legal youth limit.

Choosing a Path

We have all been there.  After a party or a night in the city we have to figure out how to get back home. We can make the decision of having a designated sober driver, sleeping somewhere within walking distance, paying for a cab, calling your parents for a ride, or taking the chance of getting in a car with whoever is the least drunk. Before making this decision, think. The path you take can have a life-altering outcome.

Harris County Devastated by Loss of Sheriff

The damage that driving drunk can cause is not worth the risk.  Especially when the risk is losing a beloved member of a community.  That is what happened this week when an adored Sheriff of Harris County lost his life due to a driver who was under the influence.

Rockland Puts On Mock Car Crash To Raise Awareness

No one thinks it's going to happen to them.  Yet sadly, we hear about it all the time: young adults, teenagers even, getting behind the wheel after too many drinks and losing their lives too soon.  Recently, the Rockland community in Maine assembled a mock car crash in hopes of highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving. 

Intoxicated Woman Drives with 4 kids in SUV

Connecticut woman Kelly Haazen was charted with a DUI while driving with four children in her car. Police say she was seen driving erratically, striking a stop sign and a parked car before she arrived at her home. Haazen admitted to being intoxicated but denied being in any accidents. She was released after posting $5,000 and will appear in court on June 17.

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Think Before You Drink - Buzzed Driver Causes Fifteen Car Pile Up

Near Atlanta, Michael Owen Snider caused FIFTEEN car crashes!  The drunk driver crashed his pickup truck into a restaurant and was hospitalized following the crash.  Snider is being held in jail without bond.

Man Faces EIGHT Drunk-Driving Charges

Boyd Atkinson,41, facing eight drunk driving-related charges in connection with the death of mother of two.  In Moncton provincial court Atkinson appeared with crutches and brace around his neck. 

Man Blames DUI On Grandmother

22 year old John Ventresca Jr faces preliminary hearings Tuesday for driving drunk as well as a few other charges resulting from an incident on March 2nd. Rochester police were called to a convenience store when witnesses saw Ventresca pull into the parking lot and strike a light pole as well as several vehicles.

Seattle Family VS Drunk Driver

A Seattle man named Dan Schulte lost his parents and whose wife and infant son were critically injured by a driver who police say was drunk is speaking out against driving under the influence. Mark Mullan, of Seattle, has pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide, vehicle assault and reckless driving in the March 25 crash in which his pickup truck hit four members of the family as they crossed a Seattle street. "All of us need to do what we can," Schulte said, adding that he hopes people will pledge to not drink and drive." Lawmakers in Washington's state Capitol are debating a proposal to increase jail time for repeat drunken driving offenders and to bar some of them from drinking.

Irish Town to Allow Drunk Driving?

In the Irish town of Kilgarvan, the council proposed a motion that would allow certain members of the community to drive home after drinking at a local pub. The idea was proposed by pub owner and politician Danny Healy-Rae who said the motion would allow officers to issue permits to those who live in secluded areas. Healy-Rae also said the motion would preserve local pub culture, decrease isolation and suicide rates within the town.

Speaker Shares Story Of Loss Due To Drunk Driving

Mark Sterner, a public speaker, works through CAMPUSPEAK to tour colleges and high schools to share the story of the worst night of his life, beginning his speech with the question, “How many people killed their three best friends while drunk driving?”

What will it take to stop a Drunk Driver?

Why does a drunk driver repeat his/her actions? When a drunk driver gets caught, why wouldn’t he/she swear off of ever driving drunk again? Some people like Robert Zimmerman repeat their actions as if they don’t understand the consequences involved in drunk driving. 

Lowering the Legal Limit

Lowering the legal limit for drinking while under the influence is what the National Transportation Safety Board recommends in order to maintain safety on the roads. Currently, the legal limit to drink and drive is a .08 blood alcohol level.  The NTSB is now advocating for the legal blood alcohol level to be decreased to a .05.  A .05 blood alcohol level equates to a typical 170lb man who has had about 3 beers, and a 120lb woman who has had about 2 beers. To see the effects of driving under the influence at current blood alcohol legal limits, News 8 along with the California Highway Patrol put drunk driving to the test.

Drunk Volunteers Help Police Train In Suffolk County

No you did not misread the title - drunk volunteers were working directly with police.  The reason?  With summer approaching in Suffolk County, New York, police officers are doing what they can to prepare for the coming boating season. On Long Island a special training session was held to help educate officers on how to spot drunken boaters.

Let's Talk Statistics

Tough drunk driving laws have cut the number of alcohol related accidents in half since 1982, the year they started to keep records on DUI's. The Century Council is a non-profit organization that is funded by distillers that help to develop programs and policies to fight drunk driving. They work with police, public officials, parents, teachers and students to educate and bring about positive changes and save lives while tracking drunk driving statistics. Since 1982 fatalities from drunk driving have fallen 52% and fatalities for underage drunk driving have fallen 76% according to research.

New Mexico's Battle With Drunk Driving

This week, an aggressive new bill was being considered in New Mexico that would forbid many people convicted of drunken driving from buying alcohol anywhere — stores, restaurants or bars. If it passes, it would be among the most restrictive drunken-driving laws in the nation. New Mexico has had one of the highest rates of alcohol-related traffic deaths in the nation. Due to a horrific recent accident lawmakers are trying to come up with a good solution to make their roads safer from drunk drivers. 

Repeat Offenders: The Worst Kind of Drunk Drivers

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George and Judith Gubernikoff lived a comfortable and privileged life together. They had three sons, and George, a successful cardiologist, made enough to support his family while Judith stayed home to raise the kids. Everything changed one dreadful morning.

Judith had just begun helping her father with his business at Fulton Fishmarket, which required the two of them to begin their daily travel into Manhattan in the wee hours of the morning.

Drunk Driving Can Be Murder -Repeat DWI Offenders Face Harsher Charge

In October 2010 Frances Rosalez Ford was driving on U.S. 281 with a blood alcohol level of .19. In the wrong direction, killing 38 year old Lawrence Belcher. This was not the first time Ford had been arrested for a DWI, she had been convicted two times before.

Fort Gordon soldiers recently had the chance to go through a variety of drills put on during Fort Gordon's annual Safety Stand Down Day in order to imitate the sobering effects of being arrested for drunk driving.  This event was aimed to stress the importance of Safety Awareness. 

Ex-Detective Drives Under The Influence And Kills

Former New York police detective Kevin C. Spellman was sentenced to three to nines years in prison for killing a woman in 2009 while driving drunk. Spellman was convicted of second degree manslaughter after hitting a pedestrian as she crossed the street.

Warrant-Less Blood Test Deemed Unconstitutional

A driver is pulled over for driving erratically. Police suspect that he is intoxicated, but he has refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. So how can the arresting officer prove that the driver is intoxicated without violating the suspect’s constitutional rights?

Will Blood Test for Drunk Drivers be stopped?

A method for convicting drunk drivers is to take a blood to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs.  In which law enforcement take the blood without a warrant and is perfectly legal until now.  “The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against warrantless blood draws in limited circumstances”

Night Of Fun Ruins Life Of One Teen

Jessica Rasdall and Laura Gorman had been best friends since kindergarten, sharing all of their life experiences together.  As college freshmen when they were 18 years old, they even went to the same school and worked at the same local Hooters.  But on February 25, 2006, it all came crashing down.  

Drunk Bus Driver Crashes Into House

Drinking and driving is always a dangerous combination.  Sixty-six-year-old Frederick Flowers of Massapequa Park, Long Island drove a school bus full of children while under the influence.

 

Photo credit: Kevin Imm 

Michigan Fights to Keep Alcohol Limit at .08% for Drivers

Senate has approved a bill that prevents Michigan alcohol limits for drivers from increasing to .1%. The bill is being reviewed by lawmakers for passage that will keep the blood alcohol limit at .08% and possibly mandate this limit to other forms of motor vehicles. If denied, Michigan will lose $50 million dollars a year in federal funding to keep national highways maintained, and further increase the risks of motor vehicle deaths. Bills like this are very important to the safety of citizens for more reasons than the dangers of drunk drivers, but also the safety of the roads themselves. It is crucial that citizens stay informed and help these laws stay in place.    

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