Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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<![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<![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<![CDATA[Busted by OnStar: Call for help results in DUI arrest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As GM has reminded us in numerous ad campaigns, OnStar can summon help if you get into trouble while at the wheel of a car or truck equipped with the service. One Paul W. Sinker III of Stroudsbourg, PA probably wishes he'd been driving something without the factory-installed blue button after his OnStar setup worked exactly as advertised early New Year's Day. According to the The Morning Call newspaper, the 22-year-old driver had gotten his car stuck in the mud. OnStar summoned the police (it's not made clear whether this was initiated by the driver or the system acted proactively in Omniscient Being mode), and officers arrived on-scene at around 1 A.M. From there, Mr. Sinker's kickoff to 2009 made like the Andrea Doria. The police smelled booze on his breath, a field sobriety test ended with an arrest, and the whole affair subsequently hit the AP wire. Listen, we shed zero tears for drunk drivers given the opportunity to model the latest Smith & Wesson jewelery, but this particular tale also serves as a reminder that your car's techno features can indeed come back to bite you - or in this particular case, get you pinched.

[Source: The Morning Call]

Busted by OnStar: Call for help results in DUI arrest originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestduionstarSun, 04 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[10-year-old crashes van while driving drunk parents home]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/10-year-old-crashes-van-while-driving-drunk-parents-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/10-year-old-crashes-van-while-driving-drunk-parents-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/10-year-old-crashes-van-while-driving-drunk-parents-home/#commentsFiled under:

Reality shows and the Internet have not created a more ridiculous world, they have only promoted the outrageous things that are already going on. You're a dad in Tennessee who's had 15 brewskies and an unknown quantity of other liquor, your female company is under the influence of something and has a pocket full of pills, and you need to get home. Thankfully there are three kids in the group, and the 10-year-old is probably straight up enough to drive the van. But who knew the kid would think 90 mph was an appropriate cruising speed and then flip the van over? A few police later - after the woman has tried "to swallow as many pills as she could" - the adults got a much more relaxed ride to the pokey and the kids got passport into state care. It's a good thing the proud papa was wearing his lucky beer T-shirt, or things really could have gone wrong. Thanks for the tip, OM617!

[Source: Fox News]

10-year-old crashes van while driving drunk parents home originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestsdrugsdrunk drivingDrunkDrivingduihumorThu, 09 Oct 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Dude busted for DUI while driving motorized cooler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/dude-busted-for-dui-while-driving-motorized-cooler/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/dude-busted-for-dui-while-driving-motorized-cooler/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/dude-busted-for-dui-while-driving-motorized-cooler/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Police in Whitehall, NY cold-busted an inebriated motorist over the Memorial Day weekend for swerving around in the middle of the street and weaving onto area sidewalks. That happened plenty of times over Memorial Day weekend, but what makes this story interesting is the fact that the driver was piloting an electrically powered cooler. Under New York state law, driving any motorized vehicle must be done sans alcohol, and that means anything from cars and boats to motorized coolers falls under the letter of the law. While some would argue that the electric cooler doesn't pose a real threat to pedestrians or other motorists, we'd disagree. This idiot could have caused other drivers to swerve to miss him, and strike others in the process.

While the cops did the right thing by pulling over this cooler-driving clown, we question the need for an ice cozy and cup holder on this vehicle. Of course people are going to use it to drink and scoot! Then again, it seems every new family vehicle is getting ice bins, too, and some of them have like 15 cup holders.

[Source: Switched]

Dude busted for DUI while driving motorized cooler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coolerdrinking and drivingDrinkingAndDrivingDUIelectric coolerElectricCoolerFri, 06 Jun 2008 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[P. Diddy to help drunk celebs get home safe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/p-diddy-to-help-drunk-celebs-get-home-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/p-diddy-to-help-drunk-celebs-get-home-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/p-diddy-to-help-drunk-celebs-get-home-safe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Whenever we read about the latest celebrity who couldn't manage to get themselves home safe after a long night of partying, we wonder why nobody has thought to create a service to drive their drunk asses home. Seems like common sense, doesn't it? Apparently, Sean Combs, a.k.a. P. Diddy, agrees with us. In an effort to "make sure everyone's partying responsibly," Diddy has decided to launch a car service for celebrities. We feel a little silly even reporting on this, but since celebrities are apparently above the good old taxi ride, perhaps the fact that a famous person is behind the effort will be enough to keep the rest of the non-drunk late-night drivers safe, and that is something worth talking about.

[Source: HollyScoop, Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty]

P. Diddy to help drunk celebs get home safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diddydrunk celebritiesdrunk-celebritiesDrunkCelebritiesduip-diddyp. diddyp.-diddyP.Diddypuff daddypuff-daddyPuffDaddysean combssean-combsSeanCombsFri, 14 Mar 2008 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't mess with Texas: Lone Star State expands forced blood draw program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/28/dont-mess-with-texas-lone-star-state-expands-forced-blood-draw/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/28/dont-mess-with-texas-lone-star-state-expands-forced-blood-draw/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/28/dont-mess-with-texas-lone-star-state-expands-forced-blood-draw/#commentsFiled under: ,

Despite Texans' talk about individual rights, the Lone Star State isn't afraid to take them away when it wants to. Case in point: get pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence in certain Texas counties, and the police will take your blood whether you like it or not.

It's called the "No Refusal" program, and it's designed to "streamline the blood drawing process" -- something it does quite well. If you're pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated, the police take you downtown and ask you, on videotape, to take a breathalyzer test. They don't tell you that if you refuse, a nurse -- or sometimes, the police themselves -- will take your blood anyway, getting a warrant from a judge who is on call specifically for the purpose, and using whatever force is required.

Of course, we're all for getting drunk drivers off the roads, and the question of civil liberties vs. safe roads does not have an easy answer. The program will be in force again over New Year's, so everyone, everywhere -- not just in Texas -- have a safe holiday.

[Source: The Newspaper]

Don't mess with Texas: Lone Star State expands forced blood draw program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duino refusal programNoRefusalProgramtexas forced blood drawTexasForcedBloodDrawFri, 28 Dec 2007 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Drink & drive? Not in a Volvo. Introducing the Alcoguard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/drink-and-drive-not-in-a-volvo-introducing-the-alcoguard/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/drink-and-drive-not-in-a-volvo-introducing-the-alcoguard/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/drink-and-drive-not-in-a-volvo-introducing-the-alcoguard/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As fuel cell technology gains ground, carmakers will find new ways to incorporate it into vehicles beyond mere motive power. In a noteworthy development for social sippers everywhere, Volvo has used it to create a gadget called the Alcoguard, which is a fuel cell breathalyzer.

The use of fuel cells is occasioned by their accuracy. Apparently, European police already use fuel cell breathalyzers, which render more accurate readings because the membranes react only to ethanol and nothing else. The more molecules of ethanol in a potential driver's breath, the higher the electrical current created when they pass through the membrane. In Sweden, the unit is tuned to let the car start at readings of less than 0.2 g/l. Above 0.1 g/l, the car will start, but it lets the driver know that he shouldn't drive.

The Alcoguard can, of course, be calibrated to each country's particular limits. It will be available on the S80, V70, and XC70 models from next year, and will cost 900 euros.

Thanks for the tip, Dave!

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Drink & drive? Not in a Volvo. Introducing the Alcoguard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoguardduidwisafetyvolvoMon, 03 Sep 2007 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[America falls behind on road safety]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/america-falls-behind-on-road-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/america-falls-behind-on-road-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/america-falls-behind-on-road-safety/#commentsFiled under:

Compared with just a quarter century ago, driving on American roads is roughly twice as safe now as it was back in 1979. This can be attributed to safer cars and roads, new seatbelt laws and DUI crackdowns, but the end result remains that the number of people killed per vehicle-kilometers of travel in 1979 is about double the figure that it is today (20.8 per billion vehicle-kilometers in 1979 versus 9.4 per billion vehicle-kilometers last year, why they used kilometers instead of miles, we don't know).

Sounds like great news, right? It's not if you consider that over the same period, America, which was rated as having the safest roads in the world during the '70s, has since fallen behind countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, the U.K., the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland, according to research conducted by Leonard Evans for a new book on traffic safety.

The difference in safety ratings between the U.S. and the rest of these countries is the fact that where America has focused on increasing vehicle safety and technology through regulations, other countries have honed in on preventing the causes of accidents via more thorough education and licensing programs as well as tighter law enforcement.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Continue reading America falls behind on road safety

America falls behind on road safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver educationDriverEducationDUIMon, 27 Aug 2007 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Carting Under the Influence: Bill Murray busted in Stockholm]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/22/carting-under-the-influence-bill-murray-busted-in-stockholm/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/22/carting-under-the-influence-bill-murray-busted-in-stockholm/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/22/carting-under-the-influence-bill-murray-busted-in-stockholm/#commentsFiled under:

It's a Cinderella story gone all wrong! In Stockholm earlier this week on a quest to become the Scandinavian Masters champion, Oscar-nominated actor Bill Murray got his name in the papers following a run-in with police that involved the actor, alcohol, and a borrowed golf cart.

Murray was in Sweden to play in the aforementioned Scandinavian masters golf tournament, and the hotel where he was staying had a golf cart available on site. Monday night, Murray reportedly took the cart and drove it to a nightspot a mile from the hotel. On his way back later in the evening, the local constabulary noticed the cart being driven erratically and pulled it over to find Murray at the controls. The officer who made the stop asked Murray to blow into a breathalyzer, which he refused. That said, based on reports of the incident, the actor was completely reasonable in how he went about handling the predicament.

[Source: E!]

Continue reading Carting Under the Influence: Bill Murray busted in Stockholm

Carting Under the Influence: Bill Murray busted in Stockholm originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill murrayBillMurrayduigolf cartGolfCartstockholmWed, 22 Aug 2007 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan shows off concept with integrated anti-DUI tech]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/nissan-develops-concept-with-integrated-anti-dui-tech/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/nissan-develops-concept-with-integrated-anti-dui-tech/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/nissan-develops-concept-with-integrated-anti-dui-tech/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image for photo gallery

You might remember reading about Nissan piloting an in-car breathalyzer system as well as adding a drunk driving message to its cars' nav welcome screens. It turns out, the company is looking at a more comprehensive approach to anti-drunk driving technology integration. The effort has born fruit in the form of a Nissan Fuga (Infiniti M) sedan that is outfitted with several anti-DUI countermeasures. It's just a concept right now, but the approach taken is very interesting.

The Fuga's shifter contains a sensor which measures the amount of alcohol in the driver's hand perspiration. If it is beyond the preset limit, it will immobilize the car and not allow it to be driven. It reinforces the message with a verbal warning from the navigation system. Additional odor sensors in the front seats check for alcohol odor in the air. If any is detected, warnings are issued via the nav system.

Follow the jump for the other features.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: Nissan Anti-DUI Technology Concept

Continue reading Nissan shows off concept with integrated anti-DUI tech

Nissan shows off concept with integrated anti-DUI tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcohol sensorsAlcoholSensorsanti drunk drivinganti duianti-duiAntiDrunkDrivingAntiDuidrunk drivingDrunkDrivingduidwiFri, 03 Aug 2007 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Talking urinal cake's anti-DWI message: "Hey there, big guy. Having a few drinks?"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/talking-urinal-cakes-anti-dwi-message-hey-there-big-guy-hav/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/talking-urinal-cakes-anti-dwi-message-hey-there-big-guy-hav/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/talking-urinal-cakes-anti-dwi-message-hey-there-big-guy-hav/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Of course, just like any sane person would be, we at Autoblog are totally against drunk driving. There have been a few technological nannies cropping up of late lately to help combat the problem, including breathalyzers mounted in vehicles that are wired to the ignition circuit. Thise devices won't allow your car to start until you've passed the test. We won't weigh in on whether these are a good idea or not at this time (personal rights or the rights of others?), but we will show you a new talking urinal cake that's designed to remind men to call a cab or get a designated driver if they have had too much to drink.

The urinal cakes are made in New York, and have reportedly been used by advertisers already. We're not sure how we would react if given an advertisement while we were... ahem, relieving ourselves, but a friendly reminder to drive safely may not be the worst advice in the world, huh?

[Source: Yahoo News]

Talking urinal cake's anti-DWI message: "Hey there, big guy. Having a few drinks?" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breathalyzerdrunk drivingDrunkDrivingduidwiurinalurinal cakeUrinalCakeThu, 15 Feb 2007 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Cops black flag Little Al! Unser Jr. arrested for DUI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/cops-black-flag-little-al-unser-jr-arrested-for-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/cops-black-flag-little-al-unser-jr-arrested-for-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/cops-black-flag-little-al-unser-jr-arrested-for-dui/#commentsFiled under: ,

Uh-oh. Little Al is in trouble again. AP is reporting that Al Unser Jr. is under arrest and facing DUI charges after leaving the scene of an accident on the Las Vegas Beltway. He was ID'd as the driver of a car that sideswiped another car around 11 Thursday morning. Unser's car didn't have much damage but the other car hit the center median. Neither driver reported any injuries.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Honea said Unser failed sobriety tests before they took him in. Among the charges Little Al faces are driving under the influence, misdemeanor hit and run, failure to render aid in an accident and failure to report an accident. Junior has had previous problems with alcohol and even went through treatment after the 2002 incident where he allegedly hit his girlfriend in the face.

Thanks for the tip, mavkato!

[Source: AP via Sports Illustrated]

Cops black flag Little Al! Unser Jr. arrested for DUI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al Unser, Jr.AlUnser,Jr.drunk drivingDrunkDrivingduiKevin HoneaKevinHoneaLas VegasLasVegasLittle AlLittleAlFri, 26 Jan 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Brian France get called to the NASCAR hauler?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/will-brian-france-get-called-to-the-nascar-hauler/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/will-brian-france-get-called-to-the-nascar-hauler/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/11/will-brian-france-get-called-to-the-nascar-hauler/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NASCAR's CEO, Brian France, is not unfamiliar with dealing with the superstars of NASCAR and their driving habits, both in public and on the track. This time though, it seems that France may have to spend some time in the infamous NASCAR hauler himself, but on the other side of the desk.

It seems that Mr. France had some issues while piloting his Lexus (how ironic) in the parking lot of a local Daytona Beach restaurant, allegedly striking a parked car and then a tree. A follow-up phone call to the France home relayed that he was drinking a soda when he, "bumped into something." The Daytona Beach police have opened an investigation into the allegation that France may have been given special treatment (read: no sobriety test) because of his celebrity, but the officers on the scene said they didn't smell alcohol on France, nor was there probable cause for making an arrest.

Chief Chitwood (really!) opened the investigation based on a witness who stated that France was, "driving at a very reckless speed" and, "fell over his own feet" as he exited the car. The Chief promised that if Mr. NASCAR was given a break because of this name, someone would be looking for a new job.

[Source: Contra Costa Times via Jalopnik]

Will Brian France get called to the NASCAR hauler? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Nov 2006 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentBrian FranceBrianFranceDUIhaulerNASCARSat, 11 Nov 2006 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Decling death rates due to safer vehicles, not better drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/12/decling-death-rates-due-to-safer-vehicles-not-better-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/12/decling-death-rates-due-to-safer-vehicles-not-better-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/12/decling-death-rates-due-to-safer-vehicles-not-better-drivers/#commentsFiled under:



The number of fatal crashes on U.S. roads have steadily declined over the last few decades and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that this has little do with a safer motoring public and more to do with safer vehicle design.

Their findings confirm what has been assumed for years, that as more safety equipment is added and eventually mandated, drivers who would have been killed years earlier in older models are now surviving with greater frequency.

The study also points to the lack of required seat belt usage in some states and the waning enforcement of DWI charges as worrisome developments. These concerns, coupled with speed limits that have steadily increased across the country, are providing the IIHS a bleak outlook on the future.

One glaring omission in the press release (printed after the jump) is the effect of driver training programs on new drivers and how further driver improvement is a necessity to decrease on-road fatalities.


Continue reading Decling death rates due to safer vehicles, not better drivers

Decling death rates due to safer vehicles, not better drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Aug 2006 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashesDUIDWIIIHSinsurance institute for highway safetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyseat beltsSeatBeltsspeed limitspeed limitsSpeedLimitSpeedLimitsSat, 12 Aug 2006 11:56:00 EST