Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NTSB proposes lowering blood alcohol limit on drunk driving laws]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ntsb-proposes-lowering-blood-alcohol-limit-on-drunk-driving-laws/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ntsb-proposes-lowering-blood-alcohol-limit-on-drunk-driving-laws/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ntsb-proposes-lowering-blood-alcohol-limit-on-drunk-driving-laws/#commentsFiled under: ,



In an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-impaired driving crashes, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a set of recommendations, 19 in total, calling for more stringent laws and enforcement. "Most Americans think that we've solved the problem of impaired driving, but in fact, it's still a national epidemic," NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman said. "On average, every hour one person is killed and 20 more are injured."

The most controversial of the recommendations has to do with the blood-alcohol level (BAC) that consitutes being legally drunk behind the wheel. As of today, all states consider the BAC threshold to be a limit of 0.08, but the NTSB is calling for it to be lowered to 0.05 (the agency points out that over 100 countries on six continents have BAC limits set at 0.05 or lower). The NTSB estimates that nearly 1,000 lives would be saved by the change.

In other recommendations, the NTSB has called for police to use passive alcohol sensors to help better detect alcohol vapor in the ambient environment, and it is suggesting giving authorities the power to immediately suspend or revoke driver's licenses at the time of DWI. It also maintains that states should employ measures to improve interlock compliance. To read the rest, check out the full press release below.

Continue reading NTSB proposes lowering blood alcohol limit on drunk driving laws

NTSB proposes lowering blood alcohol limit on drunk driving laws originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacblood alcohol contentblood alcohol leveldrink drivingdriving under the influencedrunk drivingduidwilegal duinational transportation safety boardntsbThu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/ntsb-proposes-lowering-blood-alcohol-limit-on-drunk-driving-laws/20570641/article-detail.xml 20570641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/field-sobriety-test-getty-point_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/field-sobriety-test-getty-point.jpg <![CDATA[This is what driving totally stoned on marijuana looks like]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/this-is-what-driving-totally-stoned-on-marijuana-looks-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/this-is-what-driving-totally-stoned-on-marijuana-looks-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/this-is-what-driving-totally-stoned-on-marijuana-looks-like/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CNN Driving Stoned - video screencap

With multiple states legalizing marijuana, government agencies are scrambling to research the effect of the drug on drivers. CNN recently took a look at operating a motor vehicle under the influence of pot by subjecting three users in Washington state to a little driving test with the help of a local sheriff's department. The results are a little surprising, with even casual smokers able to safely operate a car with up to five times the state's new legal limit in their blood stream. At worst, the smokers were actually more cautious on the course than they were before partaking.

Once the levels increased, however, the story changed dramatically, with two participants showing obvious signs of impairment. Heavy user Addy, meanwhile, continued to perform admirably up until the very last stage of the study. You can check out the full video below for yourself, and remember to keep it off the road, kids.

Continue reading This is what driving totally stoned on marijuana looks like

This is what driving totally stoned on marijuana looks like originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cnndriving impareddriving under the influencedriving while impairedduidwiganjamarijuanamary janepotvideoWed, 20 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/20/this-is-what-driving-totally-stoned-on-marijuana-looks-like/20469201/article-detail.xml 20469201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/pot-on-the-road-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/pot-on-the-road-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ireland could allow "moderately" drunk driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/ireland-could-allow-moderately-drunk-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/ireland-could-allow-moderately-drunk-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/ireland-could-allow-moderately-drunk-driving/#commentsFiled under: ,



On one side you have Ireland's measures against drunk driving: a maximum allowable blood-alcohol level of .05 percent (the legal limit is .08 in most states in the US), and statistics like the lowered limit and checkpoints having "decreased road deaths by 42 percent in the last four years." On the other side you have councilor Danny Healy-Rae of County Kerry who is worried about some of his elderly constituents being isolated in rural areas: Healy-Rae says that the pub is the only place to socialize in some villages, and without public transport and any way to get home after a few pints, some elder villagers end up staying home every night for fear of losing their licenses.

To address the issue, Healy-Rae has put forth a motion that would allow some Irish to drive after "two or three" drinks - with "some" being limited to certain people in certain out-of-the-way places. He is clear that he doesn't want this thought of as a blanket provision for the entire country, saying "on the roads I'm talking about, you couldn't do any more than 20 or 30 miles per hour and it's not a big deal. I don't see any big issue with it."

The mayor of Kerry does have a big issue with it, questioning how someone can suggest that drinking and driving, by anyone for any reason, is acceptable. Alcohol Action Ireland also takes issue, its chief dousing Healy-Rae's arguments with "Those in rural areas who may be suffering from isolation will not benefit from putting their lives and the lives of the other members of their community at risk by drinking and driving." Healy-Rae's motion was passed in a local council meeting by a vote of five to three, and now he's asking Ireland's Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, to consider it.

Ireland could allow "moderately" drunk driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>county kerrydanny healy-raedrunk drivingduidwiirelandkerryMon, 28 Jan 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20438681/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/ireland-could-allow-moderately-drunk-driving/20438681/article-detail.xml 20438681 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/irish-pub-drunk-driving-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/irish-pub-drunk-driving-628.jpg <![CDATA[Suit claims Utah trooper faked DUI arrests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/suit-claims-utah-trooper-faked-dui-arrests/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/suit-claims-utah-trooper-faked-dui-arrests/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/suit-claims-utah-trooper-faked-dui-arrests/#commentsFiled under: ,

Utah Highway Patrol Corporal Lisa SteedAn officer with the Utah Highway Patrol was relieved of duty after allegations surfaced that she falsely arrested more than 40 people for driving under the influence. The New York Times reports that a lawsuit stemming from the allegations was filed on December 14 in Salt Lake City's District Court. The suit accuses Corporal Lisa Steed of arresting drivers who weren't even drinking. In some cases, those arrested were people who claim they don't actually drink alcohol at all. Robert Sykes, one of the lawyers on the case, says in many cases, his clients were arrested even after passing a sobriety test.

In those cases, the charges were either dropped or reduced, but not until the accused had paid bail, had their vehicles impounded and racked up court fees in excess of $1,000.

According to the report, Steed had been a rising star within the UHP - she was even named trooper of the year in 2007. But she was fired in November amidst allegations of wrongdoing, though she is currently appealing her termination. Greg Skordas, Steed's lawyer, said the allegations were overblown, arguing that most of her arrests had stood up in court. Even so, Davis County attorney Troy Rawlings has said he will dismiss any case where Steed was the primary investigator or witness. Three years ago, a Highway Patrol sergeant reviewed 20 of Steed's marijuana-impairment arrests and found that the drivers had no traces of the drugs in their system.

Suit claims Utah trooper faked DUI arrests originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving under the influencedrugged drivingduidwihighway patrollisa steedpolice misconductrobert sykessalt lake cityutah highway patrolThu, 03 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415876/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/03/suit-claims-utah-trooper-faked-dui-arrests/20415876/article-detail.xml 20415876 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/steed-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/steed-250.jpg <![CDATA[New Year's Day, not St. Patrick's, most deadly on US roads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/new-years-day-not-st-patricks-most-deadly-on-us-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/new-years-day-not-st-patricks-most-deadly-on-us-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/new-years-day-not-st-patricks-most-deadly-on-us-roads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 parade

Earlier this month, as part of its conclusions to an investigation into wrong-way driving crashes, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommend ignition interlocks for all those convicted of a DUI. That means every first-time offender couldn't start his car until he had satisfied the breathalyzer attached to his ignition. With the nation's deadliest hours for drunk driving approaching, New Year's Day, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has pointed out the dangers of the holiday and voiced support for the NTSB measure.

The AAA says its own study shows that "nearly eight out of ten Americans support requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders, even if it's their first conviction." Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has put the national rate of repeat DUI offenders at 15 percent, but there's a huge variance: in California nearly eight percent of fatal DUI crashes are repeat offenders and DUI recidivism overall was 24 percent in 2007, whereas in New Mexico in 2011 more than 50 percent of fatal DUI crashes are attributed to repeat offenders. Another stat from MADD is that "The average driver drives drunk 87 times before their first arrest."

There are already 17 states that mandate ignition interlock devices for those convicted of DUI, and the NTSB is asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to speed up research into manufacturer-installed interlock devices. It will probably be a while, if ever, before the federal government or the rest of the country follows the lead of those 17 states, but the real point is this: We've made it past the Mayan Apocalypse, so enjoy the new world and be careful behind the wheel come NYE.

Continue reading New Year's Day, not St. Patrick's, most deadly on US roads

New Year's Day, not St. Patrick's, most deadly on US roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaaccidentamerican automobile associationcrashDriving Under the Influencedriving while intoxicatedduidwifatalitiesignition interlockNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNational Transportation Safety Boardnew years daynew years evenhtsantsbnyetraffic fatalitiesSun, 30 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412478/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/30/new-years-day-not-st-patricks-most-deadly-on-us-roads/20412478/article-detail.xml 20412478 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013.jpg <![CDATA[Participant claims <i>Fox News</i> Denver rigged marijuana driving test results]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/participant-claims-fox-news-denver-rigged-marijuana-drivi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/participant-claims-fox-news-denver-rigged-marijuana-drivi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/participant-claims-fox-news-denver-rigged-marijuana-drivi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

KDVR Fox News 31 report on marijuana influence - video screencap

In May of this year, KDVR, Fox News 31 of Denver, Colorado aired a segment in which it tested the effects of marijuana on drivers. At the time of the story, Colorado lawmakers narrowly voted down a law that would have made it illegal to drive with more than five nanograms per milliliter of the drug in your system. So, to determine the effects of driving under the influence of marijuana, the local Fox affiliate gathered up several volunteers, with ages ranging from early-20's to mid-60's, and asked them to hop into a driving simulator after smoking pot. Once participant was not convinced of the news station's objectivity.

Max Montrose was one of the younger volunteers, and he was skeptical about the study, so he brought a hidden camera with him. Following the experiment, he posted a video to YouTube last week, cutting in clips of the new story with his own footage of the test. In one hidden camera clip, Montrose gets a camera operator to admit that the test isn't really that applicable, as well as other volunteers pointing out that the simulator was designed for the CDL test, designed for large semi trucks. He also contends that another vehicle in the simulator acted erratically and crashed into him in the course of his test.

The whole video seemed very damning on its surface, but KDVR has shot back, providing context to many of the issues raised by Montrose. The station explains that the test was conducted by a third party, and though the test was in a CDL facility, the simulator was set for a four-door SUV, a vehicle that would have been familiar for many drivers. Furthermore, the station interviewed a phlebotomist, who stated that effects are different from person to person, and several volunteers passed the test even though under the influence.

The KDVR response basically states that Montrose may have had biased motives from the start of the study, which is a claim that Montrose makes of the privately owned Fox affiliate. The original news report is not very damning for marijuana users, meanwhile Montrose even admits that he "would never advocate in a million years anyone to drive intoxicated on anything for any reason." So, no real conclusions are drawn in the matter, but just like the phlebotomist said of marijuana, this news story apparently affects each individual differently. See the now-viral video for yourself by scrolling below, and draw your own conclusions.

Continue reading Participant claims Fox News Denver rigged marijuana driving test results

Participant claims Fox News Denver rigged marijuana driving test results originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdlcoloradodelta 9delta-9delta-9 concentrationdriving under the influencedrugged drivingduidwifox newshelpkdvrmarijuanapotthcvideoWed, 12 Dec 2012 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20400950/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/participant-claims-fox-news-denver-rigged-marijuana-drivi/20400950/article-detail.xml 20400950 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/thc-driving-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/thc-driving-test.jpg <![CDATA[Drinking And Driving: Open-container laws in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/drinking-and-driving-open-container-laws-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/drinking-and-driving-open-container-laws-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/drinking-and-driving-open-container-laws-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,



We're going to make this very, very simple for you. No one has any business operating a vehicle under the influence or driving with an open container in the cabin regardless of local law. That said, the good people at Car and Driver have taken the time to work up a quick infographic touching on open container laws in various states (click here to view).

A total of 11 states are either noncompliant with federal guidelines prohibiting open alcoholic beverages in the passenger compartment or don't have a law against open containers on the books. Those states see federal funding directed from construction activities to safety programs as a result.

That's not to say those 11 are easy on those who imbibe and drive. As Car and Driver points out, all 50 states now have ignition-interlock laws for citizens convicted of a DUI. Those laws require a breathalizer to be installed in the offender's personal vehicle. If the driver doesn't blow a perfect zero blood alcohol level, the car won't start.

Drinking And Driving: Open-container laws in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car and driverdriving under the influenceduiinfographicopen containeropen container infographicopen container lawWed, 12 Sep 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20320048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/drinking-and-driving-open-container-laws-in-the-u-s/20320048/article-detail.xml 20320048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/gov0079.jpg-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/gov0079.jpg-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Autoliv developing automatic in-car breathalyzer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/autoliv-developing-automatic-in-car-breathalyzer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/autoliv-developing-automatic-in-car-breathalyzer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/autoliv-developing-automatic-in-car-breathalyzer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Autoliv emblemAccording to stats compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about a third of all traffic fatalities involved someone officially classified as driving under the influence - and that percentage goes back at least a decade. No surprise then that various inventions, from Saab's Alcokey and Nissan's breathalyzer interlock to third-party wares like JATY's breathalyzer and nav system and A&A's Alco-watch have been working on a way to prevent drivers from even getting the car started when they're over the .08 BAC limit.

Yet those all require the driver to perform some action, like breathing into a tube, before a corrective action can be taken. Swedish saftey system manufacturer Autoliv, however, is working on a passive system that will measure the driver's BAC automatically "when the driver gets in the car." The company CEO said a production version is still five years away, which suggests that widespread adoption could come just about the time optimists suggest that autonomous vehicles will also be working to make DUI fatalities just a memory.

Autoliv developing automatic in-car breathalyzer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolivbacblood alcohol contentbreathalyzerdrink drivingdrunk drivingduidwitraffic fatalitiesThu, 05 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20266914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/05/autoliv-developing-automatic-in-car-breathalyzer/20266914/article-detail.xml 20266914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/autoliv-emblem-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/autoliv-emblem-250.jpg <![CDATA[Michigan to fight drunk driving with... talking urinal cakes?! [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/michigan-to-fight-drunk-driving-with-talking-urinal-cakes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/michigan-to-fight-drunk-driving-with-talking-urinal-cakes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/michigan-to-fight-drunk-driving-with-talking-urinal-cakes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Talking urinal cake

"Don't drive drunk." That's the message every government, charity and local organization wants to get out during the Fourth of July holiday. It's sound advice, too, even from a potty mouth.

According to The Detroit News, the state of Michigan has bought 400 talking urinal cakes that will remind men that if they've had a few drinks, they shouldn't drive.

"Listen up. That's right, I'm talking to you. Had a few drinks? Maybe a few too many?" the urinal cake says after being activated by a tiny motion sensor in it. "Then do yourself and everyone else a favor: Call a sober friend or a cab. Oh, and don't forget to wash your hands."

The brainchild of the Maryland-based Wizmark, which has broken new ground with its electronic urinal advertising devices, the $21 talking cake is part of a bigger campaign to promote safe holiday driving.

Scroll down to check out the lecturing urinal cake in action.

Continue reading Michigan to fight drunk driving with... talking urinal cakes?! [w/video]

Michigan to fight drunk driving with... talking urinal cakes?! [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cakedrink drivingdrivingdrunkdrunk drivingduidwipublic servicesafetysanitationurinal cakeurineMon, 02 Jul 2012 18:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270265/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/02/michigan-to-fight-drunk-driving-with-talking-urinal-cakes/20270265/article-detail.xml 20270265 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/07022012-talking-urine-cake_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/07022012-talking-urine-cake.jpg <![CDATA[Alleged drunk driver so intoxicated he didn't realize his car was on fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/alleged-drunk-driver-so-intoxicated-he-didnt-realize-his-car-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/alleged-drunk-driver-so-intoxicated-he-didnt-realize-his-car-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/alleged-drunk-driver-so-intoxicated-he-didnt-realize-his-car-wa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Driver pulled from burning car

"Are you that drunk," the officer asks, "that you did not realize that your car was on fire and you were sitting in a burning car?"

With smoke pouring from under the hood of the Pontiac Bonneville, Officer Eric Hornbacher of the Grand Rapids, MI, police force had just helped the driver from his vehicle, incredulous that he was unaware of the potentially life-threatening situation.

According to Mlive.com, the police were summoned to the fiery sedan shortly after four in the morning, when neighbors raised the alarm about a vehicle that had been revving its engine for an hour. Apparently the driver, who was later arrested, had fallen asleep with his foot on the gas pedal, according to the report. The car was already on fire when the officer pulled him out, but it wasn't a minute or two after he had removed the driver that the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames.

"It is a good feeling knowing that he's okay," Hornbacher told Mlive, "Granted he went to jail that night, but at least he went somewhere."

Watch the crazy police dash-cam video and an interview with the officer after the jump.

Continue reading Alleged drunk driver so intoxicated he didn't realize his car was on fire

Alleged drunk driver so intoxicated he didn't realize his car was on fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burning carcar firedash camdrunk drivingduidui arresteric hornbachergrand rapidsvideoFri, 30 Dec 2011 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137916/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/alleged-drunk-driver-so-intoxicated-he-didnt-realize-his-car-wa/20137916/article-detail.xml 20137916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/driver-pulled-from-burning-car-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/driver-pulled-from-burning-car-opt.jpg <![CDATA[JJ Lehto sentenced to jail for speedboat crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/jj-lehto-sentenced-to-jail-for-speedboat-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/jj-lehto-sentenced-to-jail-for-speedboat-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/jj-lehto-sentenced-to-jail-for-speedboat-crash/#commentsFiled under: , ,

JJ Lehto

You'd think that a professional driver's skills would be universal. You'd also think that the rules regarding drinking and driving would apply the same to the water as they would to the road. But as it turns out neither is necessarily the case.

The point is driven home by the conviction in Finland of one JJ Lehto. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it belongs to an accomplished racing driver. Although Lehto only managed a single podium finish over the course of seven years in F1, he also raced in CART (today known as the IndyCar Series) and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice.

Back in June 2010, Lehto and a friend were traveling at apparently high velocity via speedboat through a canal in Finland when their boat struck a bridge support. JJ was injured, but his friend was killed. While Lehto's defense attorneys claimed he was not driving the boat at the time, the courts evidently felt otherwise.

Ruling that he was both speeding and operating the powerboat while intoxicated, the courts sentenced him to two years and four months in prison. Lehto's lawyer is appealing the ruling, but if the verdict sticks, Lehto will be one of the few former grand prix drivers in history to be put behind bars.

JJ Lehto sentenced to jail for speedboat crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convictionduidwifinlandjailjj lehtolehtopowerboatprisonspeedboatspeedingFri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/16/jj-lehto-sentenced-to-jail-for-speedboat-crash/20128286/article-detail.xml 20128286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/jjlehtopetitlemans2004_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/jjlehtopetitlemans2004.jpg <![CDATA[Federal court upholds forced entry stemming from DUI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/federal-court-upholds-forced-entry-stemming-from-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/federal-court-upholds-forced-entry-stemming-from-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/federal-court-upholds-forced-entry-stemming-from-dui/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Supreme Court has long maintained that police can not forcibly enter someone's home without a warrant on the suspicion of driving under the influence, but a federal appeals court recently upheld a case in which a Virginia officer did just that.

On October 3, 2004, Alan J. Cilman had dinner at a local restaurant where he drank and watched a football game. When he left the establishment, officer M.A. Reeves saw Cilman take off at a high rate of speed and proceeded to follow the sports fan to his home. Reeves claims that Cilman ran a stop sign, didn't use his turning indicators and accelerated quickly from each turn.

It's unclear whether Reeves actually activated his cruiser's lights while following Cilman. What is clear is that Cilman made it to his home and quickly walked to his front door while Reeves told him to stop, but did not say that he was under arrest. Cilman then locked his door and told the officer to get off of his property. Reeves called for back up, proceeded to kick in Cilman's door and arrested him for being drunk in public and evasion without force. Those charges were later dropped when a U.S. district court found that entering Cilman's property without a warrant was a violation of his Fourth Amendment rights.

Reeves then proceeded to appeal the decision. Virginia state law declares that if he were later found guilty of a another constitutional infringement, he would be removed from duty. The appellate judges decided that there is no precedent protecting someone from warrantless entry in a case like Cilman's. The court reversed every decision in Cilman's favor and dismissed the case entirely.

Federal court upholds forced entry stemming from DUI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving under the influenceduisupreme courtvirginiawarrantless entrywarrantless searchWed, 16 Nov 2011 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20106771/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/federal-court-upholds-forced-entry-stemming-from-dui/20106771/article-detail.xml 20106771 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gov0079.jpg-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gov0079.jpg-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ohio woman leads police on triple-digit topless car chase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/ohio-woman-leads-police-on-triple-digit-topless-car-chase/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/ohio-woman-leads-police-on-triple-digit-topless-car-chase/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/ohio-woman-leads-police-on-triple-digit-topless-car-chase/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Topless driver

God willing, you will never party this hard. Police in Bainbridge, Ohio were recently led on a high-speed chase that saw a renegade driver clocked at 110 mph. According to Cleveland's Fox 8 News, after officers deployed spike strips to bring the fleeing sedan to a halt, they were met with a mostly nude, very intoxicated woman. The driver was wearing nothing but a g-string, a pair of tennis shoes and the skin she was born with. Police were eventually able to get the 28-year-old unruly nudist into the back of a cruiser (with some more clothes on), where she proceeded to go ballistic, attempting to kick out the cop car's rear window.

Erin B. Holdsworth has since been charged one count each of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, refusing a blood-alcohol test, fleeing and eluding, criminal damaging, driving on a suspended license, speeding and, our personal favorite, reckless operation. Holdsworth was later released and is set to appear in court on November 2. Hit the jump to see a video of the pursuit and detention of Ms. Holdsworth.

Continue reading Ohio woman leads police on triple-digit topless car chase

Ohio woman leads police on triple-digit topless car chase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bainbridgedash camdriving while intexticatedduidwihigh-speed pursuitpolice videospeedingtopless drivertopless driver videovideoThu, 27 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091974/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/27/ohio-woman-leads-police-on-triple-digit-topless-car-chase/20091974/article-detail.xml 20091974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/topless-driver-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/topless-driver-628.jpg <![CDATA[Al Unser Jr. arrested for reckless driving, DUI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Al Unser, Jr.

Al Unser, Jr. is in the news again, and not in a good way. AP reports that the two-time Indy 500 winner was arrested last week for drag racing on public roads while under the influence of alcohol.

Bernalillo County, New Mexico sheriffs reportedly stopped Unser on Thursday for driving over 100 miles per hour in his Suburban. During the traffic stop, he slurred his speech and registered over twice the legal limit for blood-alcohol levels.

This isn't the first time Unser's gotten himself in hot water. In 2002 he reportedly underwent treatment for alcohol abuse after hitting his girlfriend in the face while drinking in Indianapolis, and in 2007 he lost his license for a DUI in Nevada.

IndyCar has responded to the new charges by suspending Unser indefinitely from his role as a race control official as the matter is investigated further.

Al Unser Jr. arrested for reckless driving, DUI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al unser jrAlbuquerquearrestdrag racingduidwiindyindycarnew mexicounserSun, 02 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071697/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/20071697/article-detail.xml 20071697 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/unser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/unser.jpg <![CDATA[Deportations due to drunk driving and traffic violations escalate dramatically]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/deportations-due-to-drunk-driving-and-traffic-violations-escalat/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/deportations-due-to-drunk-driving-and-traffic-violations-escalat/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/deportations-due-to-drunk-driving-and-traffic-violations-escalat/#commentsFiled under:

Drinking and driving - cocktail and car keysThere are a few key ways for an illegal immigrant to get deported. Anything to do with making or selling drugs is the number one way to get kicked out of the country, with 45,003 cases in the last fiscal year alone. That's up nearly one third from 2008, but drug offenses may not be number one for long thanks to a surge in drunken driving-related deportations.

According to the Associated Press, drunk driving-related deportations have nearly tripled from 10,851 cases in 2008 to 28,635 in the fiscal year ending September, 2010. Another 13,028 illegal aliens were deported for other serious traffic violations - three times the 4,527 offenders deported in 2008. The spike in drunken driving deportations is a part of a larger influx of illegals being deported for various reasons. In total, 393,000 non-U.S. citizens were shown the door, with half of those deported for criminal offenses.

The message here? Drinking and driving is always a bad move, but for illegals getting behind the wheel after excessive drinking, getting busted can mean a whole lot more than a few hefty fines.

Deportations due to drunk driving and traffic violations escalate dramatically originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deportdeportationdrinking and drivingdrunken drivingduidwiillegal aliensimmigrationTue, 26 Jul 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20000274/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/26/deportations-due-to-drunk-driving-and-traffic-violations-escalat/20000274/article-detail.xml 20000274 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/cocktail-with-keys-corbis_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/cocktail-with-keys-corbis.jpg <![CDATA[Apple to reject apps that include DUI checkpoints]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/apple-to-reject-apps-that-include-dui-checkpoints/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/apple-to-reject-apps-that-include-dui-checkpoints/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/apple-to-reject-apps-that-include-dui-checkpoints/#commentsFiled under: ,

White iPhone 4 DUI Checkpoints

In conjunction with this week's Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple has updated its App Store Review Guidelines, and part of the new approval process includes a section that prohibits the inclusion of DUI checkpoints in iOS apps.

Section 22.8 states:

Apps which contain DUI checkpoints that are not published by law enforcement agencies, or encourage and enable drunk driving, will be rejected.

The updated terms come a few months after a group of U.S. Senators sent letters of concern to Apple, Google and RIM, asking the smartphone companies to remove any and all apps that would inform users of DUI checkpoints.

While developers might be able to remove the DUI stop functionality from their apps, most of the programs that identify law enforcement activity and speed traps are crowd-sourced, meaning users could submit the checkpoints themselves without the app's devs knowing what they're identifying.

Neither Google or RIM have modified their app review guidelines yet, but if history holds true, where Apple goes, so goes the industry...

Apple to reject apps that include DUI checkpoints originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappleblackberryduidui checkpointsgooglerimwwdcWed, 08 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19961852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/08/apple-to-reject-apps-that-include-dui-checkpoints/19961852/article-detail.xml 19961852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/dui-white-iphone4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/dui-white-iphone4.jpg <![CDATA[Elena Ford pleads guilty to DUI, gets probation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/followup-elena-ford-pleads-guilty-to-dui-gets-probation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/followup-elena-ford-pleads-guilty-to-dui-gets-probation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/followup-elena-ford-pleads-guilty-to-dui-gets-probation/#commentsFiled under: ,

ford global marketing director elena fordBloomberg reports that Ford Global Marketing Director Elena Ford (great-great-granddaughter of Henry Ford) has plead guilty to Driving Under the Influence of alcohol, saying the incident has been a "complete embarrassment" to her family. The Ford family heiress was arrested on April 4 after failing a sobriety test and registering a .14 on a breathalyzer; nearly twice the legal limit of .08 in Michigan. Police pulled Ford over after she reportedly jumped the median in in her 2011 Ford Explorer. The Michigan court sentenced the 44-year-old Ford to two years' probation, 240 hours of community service and mandatory counseling. Ford was originally also charged with child endangerment since she had her 11-year-old son in the car. [Source: Bloomberg]

Elena Ford pleads guilty to DUI, gets probation originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duielena fordelena ford arrestelena ford duifordford motor companyFri, 22 Apr 2011 14:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19921105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/22/followup-elena-ford-pleads-guilty-to-dui-gets-probation/19921105/article-detail.xml 19921105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/elana-ford_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/elana-ford.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Elena Ford arrested for drunk driving, child endangerment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/report-elena-ford-arrested-for-drunk-driving-child-endangermen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/report-elena-ford-arrested-for-drunk-driving-child-endangermen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/report-elena-ford-arrested-for-drunk-driving-child-endangermen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

elena fordClick on Detroit reports that Ford Global Marketing Director and Blue Oval heiress Elena Ford has been arrested on charges of drunken driving and child endangerment. The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday night on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, Michigan. The police report say Ford left the road in her 2011 Ford Explorer, jumping the curb and heading on to the median, before eventually getting back onto the road. Police then pulled Ford over and administered a sobriety test, which she apparently failed. Ford was also charged with child endangerment due to the fact that her 11-year-old son was in the car with her when the incident occurred.

Ford Motor Company declined to comment on the matter, as it is a private matter. The automaker says Ford will make a statement at a later date. Hat tip to Hamzah!

[Source: Click on Detroit]

Report: Elena Ford arrested for drunk driving, child endangerment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>child endangermentdrunk drivingduielena fordelena+ford+arrestelena+ford+arrestedelena+ford+duielenafordarrestelenafordarrestedelenafordduifordford drunk drivingouiTue, 05 Apr 2011 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19903244/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/05/report-elena-ford-arrested-for-drunk-driving-child-endangermen/19903244/article-detail.xml 19903244 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/elana-ford_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/elana-ford.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Former AU politician Kennett advocates mints as drunk driving cure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/video-former-au-politician-kennett-advocates-mints-as-drunk-dri/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/video-former-au-politician-kennett-advocates-mints-as-drunk-dri/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/video-former-au-politician-kennett-advocates-mints-as-drunk-dri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Former Australian politician Jeff Kennett going crazy for Kool Mints - Click above to watch video after the jump

Jeff Kennett is the former premiere of the Australian state of Victoria. During a recent radio show appearance, the conversation came to an Aussie candy called Choo-Choo bars, and that turned into a discussion on all kinds of candy. When the host mentioned Kool Mints, though, Kennett perked up, said "They play a very important role in life," and then began to relate how the sugar in Kool Mints absorbs alcohol in the body.

That was followed by advice to everyone that "if you're ever stupid enough to drink and drive," you should keep Kool Mints in the car to get the alcohol out of your system. The funniest thing the vid could be the radio host valiantly trying to derail Kennett's Kool-Mint train in every possible way short of yanking the mic away. The video is after the jump, and in case you're wondering, the mints won't do any such thing. Hat tip to Liam.

[Sources: AUSmotive, Herald Sun]

Continue reading Video: Former AU politician Kennett advocates mints as drunk driving cure

Video: Former AU politician Kennett advocates mints as drunk driving cure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drunk drivingduijeff kennettkool mintsMon, 22 Nov 2010 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19727725/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/22/video-former-au-politician-kennett-advocates-mints-as-drunk-dri/19727725/article-detail.xml 19727725 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/kennettkool-mint_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/kennettkool-mint.jpg <![CDATA[Top 20 metropolitan cities for alcohol-related driving violations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/04/top-20-metropolitan-cities-for-alcohol-related-driving-violation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/04/top-20-metropolitan-cities-for-alcohol-related-driving-violation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/04/top-20-metropolitan-cities-for-alcohol-related-driving-violation/#commentsFiled under: ,



Insurance.com just put its pencils to paper for some serious number crunching. The topic is alcohol-related driving violations and the data compiled paints a sobering picture, especially if you live in Texas or California. The land of fruits and nuts (and sobriety checkpoints) manages to claim four of the top 10 spots, with San Diego and San Jose claiming the anti-gold and anti-silver medals. The Texan cities fall further down on the list but overall the big state accounts for five out of the top 20 listed.

We'll give you the top five right now. The rest of the top 20 can be peeped right after the jump.
  1. San Diego, CA
  2. San Jose, CA
  3. Charlotte, NC
  4. Phoenix, AZ
  5. Columbus, OH
Drunk driving is a foolish thing to do, regardless of where you live. It's clearly more foolish, however, if you live in one of the above-listed cities.

[Source: Insurance.com]

Continue reading Top 20 metropolitan cities for alcohol-related driving violations

Top 20 metropolitan cities for alcohol-related driving violations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholalcohol-related violationscaliforniadrunk drivingduidwitexasMon, 04 Oct 2010 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19650805/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/04/top-20-metropolitan-cities-for-alcohol-related-driving-violation/19650805/article-detail.xml 19650805 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/field-sobriety-test-getty-point_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/field-sobriety-test-getty-point.jpg -1 2