Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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 <![CDATA[Study: Teens don't think texting while driving is as dangerous as DUI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/study-teens-dont-think-texting-while-driving-is-as-dangerous-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/study-teens-dont-think-texting-while-driving-is-as-dangerous-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/study-teens-dont-think-texting-while-driving-is-as-dangerous-a/#commentsFiled under:

Texting and Driving

Despite plenty of academic research demonstrating that texting while driving can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving, a new poll shows that most teens simply don't think that's the case. State Farm recently sponsored a poll conducted by Harris Interactive in which 14-to-17 year-olds were asked whether they thought they would die one day if they regularly text and drive. Only 35 percent of those asked strongly agreed with that statement. Compare that figure with the 55 percent of teens who think that drinking and driving could prove deadly, and you begin to see the disparity.

Likewise, those polled believed that their chances of getting into an accident are higher while drinking and driving versus texting and driving. The auto insurance giant says that it's up to parents to underscore the dangers of both activities for their children. We couldn't agree more - especially after seeing that only a little more than half of the teens surveyed appear to adequately understand the potential consequences of drinking and driving. With public safety groups and parents having already spent decades reminding young people of the dangers of driving under the influence, it looks like it's going to take at least that long to reach them about the perils of distracted driving. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: State Farm | Image: Getty]

Continue reading Study: Teens don't think texting while driving is as dangerous as DUI

Study: Teens don't think texting while driving is as dangerous as DUI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Distracted drivingDrinking and DrivingDrinkingAndDrivingDUIState Farmteen driversteen drivingTeenDriversTeenDrivingtextingTexting and DrivingMon, 20 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19641103/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/20/study-teens-dont-think-texting-while-driving-is-as-dangerous-a/19641103/article-detail.xml 19641103 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/texting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/texting.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Donald Duck gets pinched for DUI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/04/video-donald-duck-gets-pinched-for-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/04/video-donald-duck-gets-pinched-for-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/04/video-donald-duck-gets-pinched-for-dui/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Donald Duck is used to getting caught with his pants down. Probably because he doesn't wear any pants. But getting busted for driving under the influence is another matter entirely.

Fortunately for our childhood memories (to say nothing of our present sanity), the Donald Duck in question isn't the actual cartoon character, just some fellow who evidently thought changing his name to that of a Walt Disney character was a good idea. After allegedly toking a joint, downing a couple of drinks and swallowing a few pills, the Duck in question got the munchies - surprise, surprise - and headed for the local Little Caesar's drive-thru. That's where he ran into the back of one Margaret Russell's GMC Safari van - repeatedly - and got picked up by local police for his fifth DUI charge. You can't make this stuff up. Don't believe us? Follow the jump to watch the cartoon reel news clip and see for yourself.

[Source: Fox13Now via LeftLane News]

Continue reading Video: Donald Duck gets pinched for DUI

Video: Donald Duck gets pinched for DUI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donald duckDonaldDuckdrive-throughDrive-Thrudriving under the influenceDrivingUnderTheInfluenceduiSun, 04 Jul 2010 17:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19535478/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/04/video-donald-duck-gets-pinched-for-dui/19535478/article-detail.xml 19535478 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/donald-mugshot-quack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/donald-mugshot-quack.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Congress mulling in-car alcohol detectors [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/report-congress-mulling-in-car-alcohol-detectors/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/report-congress-mulling-in-car-alcohol-detectors/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/report-congress-mulling-in-car-alcohol-detectors/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The New York Times reports that the U.S. Congress is considering a six-fold increase in the annual funding of in-car devices to detect drunk drivers. The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety program's budget would increase from $2 million per year to $12 million for the next five years, likely expediting the development of an effective device.

History suggests that such a device would save thousands of lives. In 2008 alone, nearly 12,000 people died in alcohol-impaired car crashes. Many of those deaths would likely be preventable if there were a way for a vehicle system to seamlessly detect elevated alcohol levels in drivers. Scientists are working on a device that could instantly detect a driver's blood alcohol level by reading alcohol levels on the breath or use a light beam to assess alcohol levels on the skin.

Program Director Susan Ferguson says that said device should be "very fast, very accurate, highly reliable and precise," adding that achieving a high level of precision is going to take a lot of money. Ferguson feels that the alcohol detection system could be the safety equivalent of the next seatbelt, suggesting that it could save 8,000 to 9,000 lives per year.

A total of 13 automakers are behind the project as well, and the goal is for drivers to voluntarily add the mechanism to their vehicles as an added safety measure. We're guessing that adding such a system could greatly reduce the cost to insure the vehicle, giving drivers a financial incentive to add the device. Of course, adding the cost of the device to new cars will likely cost automakers (and in turn, consumers) a fair bit of money, but the hope is that reduced insurance costs could cover the difference.

What do you think, are in-car alcohol detectors a good idea? Cast your vote in our survey below and leave your thoughts in Comments.


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[Source: The New York Times | Image: Getty]

Report: Congress mulling in-car alcohol detectors [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alcohol Detection System for SafetyAlcoholDetectionSystemForSafetyauto safetyAutoSafetybreathalyzerBreathalyzerscar safetyCarSafetydrunken drivingDrunkenDrivingduiMon, 28 Jun 2010 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19532808/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/28/report-congress-mulling-in-car-alcohol-detectors/19532808/article-detail.xml 19532808 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/field-sobriety-test-getty-point_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/field-sobriety-test-getty-point.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Serial drunk driver hits judge who let him off 11 years earlier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/report-serial-drunk-driver-hits-judge-who-let-him-off-11-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/report-serial-drunk-driver-hits-judge-who-let-him-off-11-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/report-serial-drunk-driver-hits-judge-who-let-him-off-11-years/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Back in 1998, Rene Fernandez received two DUIs in a span of three months. The first judge sentenced him to probation, the second judge, Edwin Collier, sentenced him to 60 days in jail but suspended the sentence. Last August, the now 45-year-old Fernandez was inebriated at more than twice the legal limit, got into his Chevrolet Tahoe and started driving, ultimately plowing into a Honda Accord in the oncoming lane.

That Accord was driven by 85-year-old retired Judge Edwin Collier, who had his wife, 81-year-old Ellen Collier in the passenger seat. Yes, it was an accident involving the same Fernandez and the same Judge Collier from 1998. Fernandez is now looking at an 18-month stint in a Montgomery County, Maryland prison for the DUI and the life-threatening injuries he caused to the Colliers.

[Source: Business Gazette | Image: Getty]

Report: Serial drunk driver hits judge who let him off 11 years earlier originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving while drunkDrivingWhileDrunkdrunk driverDrunk drivingDrunkDriverDrunkDrivingduidwiedwin collierEdwinColliermarylandrene fernadezReneFernadezThu, 17 Jun 2010 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19514522/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/17/report-serial-drunk-driver-hits-judge-who-let-him-off-11-years/19514522/article-detail.xml 19514522 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/gavel-strike-frames-250-getty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/gavel-strike-frames-250-getty.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Brewery-heavy Wisconsin not exactly eager to punish drunk drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/report-brewery-heavy-wisconsin-not-exactly-eager-to-punish-drun/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/report-brewery-heavy-wisconsin-not-exactly-eager-to-punish-drun/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/report-brewery-heavy-wisconsin-not-exactly-eager-to-punish-drun/#commentsFiled under: ,



We all know by now that no matter what the law dictates, those with an interest not in-line with the law will do what they can to work, shall we say, around the law. Wisconsin is said to have one of the highest rates of DUIs and binge drinking, and that probably has something to do with the state's beer culture. Kids under the age of 21 can drink in public if they're with a parent or legal guardian, and when you get your first DUI - at any age - it's treated as a traffic violation, not a criminal act.

Why is that allowed to continue? The theory goes something like this: State legislators are the same kinds of hard drinkers as the general populace and they don't want to get worked over for DUIs. Said a University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin professor, "There is a live hard, play hard, cut corners, get away with anything you can culture in the Legislature. Driving drunk is just part of a larger political culture of getting away with anything you can."

Case in point: State rep Jef Wood has been busted three times in less than a year, and plans to defend himself in part by establishing the well populated history of assemblymen caught drunk behind the wheel. That makes it sound like things aren't going to change any time soon. And makes us think there's a little bit more going on in those flyover states than one would imagine...

[Source: The Associated Press]

Report: Brewery-heavy Wisconsin not exactly eager to punish drunk drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholbeerbrewerydrunk drivingDrunkDrivingduiwisconsinMon, 12 Apr 2010 07:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19432615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/12/report-brewery-heavy-wisconsin-not-exactly-eager-to-punish-drun/19432615/article-detail.xml 19432615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/wiscdnd-1270918933_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/wiscdnd-1270918933.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Wedding gone wrong? Instead of dangling cans behind car, drunk drags vending machine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-wedding-gone-wrong-instead-of-dangling-cans-behind-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-wedding-gone-wrong-instead-of-dangling-cans-behind-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-wedding-gone-wrong-instead-of-dangling-cans-behind-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

We don't know about you, but we're a bit tired of the dangling cans trailing the wedding limo - however, even we know this isn't the answer. Judging by this video, one (apparently intoxicated) gentleman thinks the tradition needs to go a step further, and it doesn't even have to be your wedding day to do it.

Hit the jump to watch in-car dash-cam police footage of what appears to be an old Chevrolet S10 Blazer or GMC Jimmy with some odd cargo at the end of its tow rope. We're not sure whether the driver was trying to steal the Coca-Cola machine, or whether he somehow got a very robust power cord tangled up in his truck and just tried to drive away. Either way, we're thinking that this guy must have had one heck of a New Year's.

[Source: YouTube via Failblog]

Continue reading Video: Wedding gone wrong? Instead of dangling cans behind car, drunk drags vending machine

Video: Wedding gone wrong? Instead of dangling cans behind car, drunk drags vending machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coca colaCocaColacokedash camDashCamdrunk drivingDrunkDrivingduiDWIpolice campolice cameraPoliceCamPoliceCameravending machineVendingMachinewedding cansWeddingCansThu, 07 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19306909/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/07/video-wedding-gone-wrong-instead-of-dangling-cans-behind-car/19306909/article-detail.xml 19306909 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/coke-machine-bandit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/coke-machine-bandit.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: Self-policing Wisconsin woman calls 911, turns herself in for drunk driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-clap-clap-clap-wisconsin-woman-calls-911-turns-hers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-clap-clap-clap-wisconsin-woman-calls-911-turns-hers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-clap-clap-clap-wisconsin-woman-calls-911-turns-hers/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Here at Autoblog, we definitely don't condone drunk driving. But we have to admit it is a bit of a tricky thing. How are you supposed to tell if you're drunk if your judgment is already impaired? Well, one woman clearly could tell that at least someone on the road was drunk, and she gave herself up.

That's right. 49-year-old Granton, Wisconsin resident Mary Strey dialed #911 to report a drunk driver on the road. As it turned out, that drunk driver was her. She was even kind enough to pull over and waited for the police to arrive. All of which is a good thing, because according to The Associated Press, Strey had a blood-alcohol limit that was twice the legal limit. Good thing 9-1-1 is an easy number to remember. Follow the jump to listen to the priceless emergency dispatch recording.

[Source: The Associated Press]

Continue reading VIDEO: Self-policing Wisconsin woman calls 911, turns herself in for drunk driving

VIDEO: Self-policing Wisconsin woman calls 911, turns herself in for drunk driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-1-1911driving under the influencedriving while impairedDrivingUnderTheInfluenceDrivingWhileImpaireddrunk drivingDrunkDrivingduidwiemergency servicesEmergencyServicesgrantonmary StreyMaryStreyThu, 05 Nov 2009 14:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19224401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/05/video-clap-clap-clap-wisconsin-woman-calls-911-turns-hers/19224401/article-detail.xml 19224401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/autoenforcement-screencap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/autoenforcement-screencap.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Police auctioning off motorized La-Z-Boy used in DWI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/police-auctioning-off-motorized-la-z-boy-used-in-dwi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/police-auctioning-off-motorized-la-z-boy-used-in-dwi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/police-auctioning-off-motorized-la-z-boy-used-in-dwi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've ever had the urge to cruise your neighborhood in a self-propelled La-Z-Boy, your opportunity has arrived. Minnesota resident Dennis Anderson (no relation to the Gravedigger monster truck franchise - we think) has forfeited his notorious motorized, and over-the-top modified, recliner chair involved in his DWI incident and crash recently is going on the eBay auction block later this week.

To recap, this masterpiece of motorized furniture isn't your average run-of-the-mill family room napper. This particular innovative and highly customized chair is fitted with a nitrous-boosted lawnmower engine good for a top speed in the neighborhood of 20 mph (it is fitted with a parachute... apparently in case you happen to drive off a cliff). Dual headlights help guide you home from the late nights at the bar, while an integrated stereo sound system will make you everyone's envy at the stop lights (maybe from the curb, as we don't think it is technically street legal).

While Mr. Anderson got off with two years of probation for his antics, his prized possession is sadly being liquidated - sans reserve price - thanks to a Minnesota law allowing police to auction vehicles seized in drunk-driving cases. So, what do you think it will go for?

[Source: Engadget]

REPORT: Police auctioning off motorized La-Z-Boy used in DWI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionchairDennis AndersonDennisAndersonDrunk drivingDrunkDrivingDUIDWIeBayfor saleForSaleLa-z-boylazy boyLazyBoyloungeMinnesotareclinerTue, 27 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19210716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/27/police-auctioning-off-motorized-la-z-boy-used-in-dwi/19210716/article-detail.xml 19210716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/la-z-boy_250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/la-z-boy_250.jpg <![CDATA[Man charged with DWI while driving La-Z-Boy chair]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/man-charged-with-dwi-while-driving-la-z-boy-chair/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/man-charged-with-dwi-while-driving-la-z-boy-chair/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/man-charged-with-dwi-while-driving-la-z-boy-chair/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's against the law to drink and drive. And as we've seen time and again, the police don't care if you're driving a Ferrari or a motorized scooter; over the limit means under arrest. There is now one more person in the world who knows this undeniable truth first-hand. Dennis LeRoy Anderson was convicted of Driving While Intoxicated after being caught piloting a La-Z-Boy that was modded with with lawn mower parts, a stereo and a cup holder. No word on what actually happened to be resting in that cup holder when the La-Z-Boy left the comforts of Anderson's living room that night.

Anderson was arrested in the northern Minnesota town of Proctor after he crashed his La-Z-Boy into a parked car. To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Anderson had a blood alcohol content of .29; over three times the legal limit. Sixth Judicial District Judge Heather Sweetland let Anderson off lightly, as she stayed the 180-day jail term in favor of two years probation. We're thinking the two years of probation pales in comparison to living the rest of one's life knowing that you were arrested for drinking and driving a recliner. Sad. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: The Seattle Times]

Man charged with DWI while driving La-Z-Boy chair originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennis leroy andersonDennisLeroyAndersondrinking and drivingDrinkingAndDrivingduidui arrestDuiArrestdwila-Z-Boyla-z-boy drinkingla-z-boy duila-z-boy dwiLa-z-boyDrinkingLa-z-boyDuiLa-z-boyDwimotorized scooterMotorizedScooterFri, 23 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19206071/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/23/man-charged-with-dwi-while-driving-la-z-boy-chair/19206071/article-detail.xml 19206071 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/lazyboy-cart-cs_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/lazyboy-cart-cs_opt.jpg -1 2