News and Articles on Driving Under The Influence

The tragedy of drunk driving has effected the lives of many people. These articles reflect on the many incidents of drunk driving and their effects on local communities. We encourage you to Submit articles which represent the effects of drunk driving on your community.

Fraternity discourages drinking & driving during spring break Mar 9, 2010

NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) - "This is weird," laughs one girl wearing goggles designed to simulate what you see while drunk. Once you put the drunk goggles on your perception of drunk driving should become crystal clear. "I'm leaning to the left. Leaning to the right. Not at all would I consider driving this way," Grovey Latimer, president of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity said. The service fraternity sends that message out each week before spring break. They call it Brothers Against Drunk Driving, a nationwide push on college campuses to save lives. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Order your Drunk Goggles at http://www.every15minutes.com/products/

Drunk drivers scrutinized in new report Mar 9, 2010

Harris County Precinct 4 takes its responsibility for curbing driving while intoxicated or driving while under the influence seriously. As part of their effort to keep the roads safe for citizens, they make regular updates to the “Leanne Report,” one of the largest and most comprehensive compilations of statistical data on DWIs in the state. “The report is named for Leanne Moore Gaulden, the youngest daughter of former Precinct 4 Chief Deputy Karen Moore, who was killed by a driver with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent at 7 a.m. the morning of Dec. 13, 1999,” said Woody Mitchell, assistant chief deputy. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: The Tribune

SADD President - Impaired Driving Real Mar 9, 2010

REGINA — At 17-years-old now, Ashley Wilkie never imagined she’d be attending the funeral of one of her best friends. A car carrying five teens lost control and collided with a tree on McCarthy Boulevard in 2008, killing three of the five people inside, including her friend who was driving. “I was really mad. I knew they were drinking,” said Wilkie, who is now the president of Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) at Sheldon Williams Collegiate. Rand Teed, host of SCN’s television program Drug Class, will be speaking to 10 schools throughout the province as part of the awareness week. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)

Bill would close loophole in DWI cases Mar 9, 2010

A bill that would make it harder for drunk drivers to escape prosecution passed the Senate last Thursday. Sen. Charles Fuschillo, R-Merrick, who has pushed for the passage of legislation (S.46-a/A.8601-a) commonly referred to as "Jack Shea's Law" in reference to the late Olympic medalist who was killed by a drunk driver in 2002, said he is hopeful the bill will now pass the Assembly. Shea's death, for some, highlighted the need to revise Section 1194 of the state's Vehicle and Traffic Law, which spell out who is qualified to take a blood sample from an intoxicated person at the scene of a drunk driving accident. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media)

Parents urged to talk to kids about alcohol before Spring Break Mar 9, 2010

For many students, spring break is a carefree time away from classroom pressures. Unfortunately, for many it is also a time of excessive drinking and dealing with its aftermath-violence, sexual aggression, and even death. As your high school or college-age sons and daughters prepare to celebrate their spring break escape, take the opportunity to talk with them about the consequences of binge drinking and alcohol poisoning. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media) Source: The Police News

Mother Wants Answers, Justice After Daughter’s Death Mar 9, 2010

A Charlotte mother is still waiting for answers weeks after her daughter was killed by a driver who police said admitted he'd been drinking. The driver of that car has been charged with DWI, but so far faces no charges connected to the death of Shalenia Smith. Police said Christopher Breeding hit Smith on North Tryon Street. She was walking to the Wal-Mart across the street. Smith’s mother, Karen Owens, said she remembers the hours that followed the accident all too well. “I actually managed to get close [at the hospital] and I managed to give her a kiss and told her I love her,” Owens said. “But she didn't open her eyes.” (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: WSOCTV

Man gets 3 to 9 years in fatal crash Mar 9, 2010

Nicholas R. Swan, 24, was convicted of one count of felony first-degree vehicular manslaughter, two felony counts of second-degree manslaughter, one misdemeanor count each of third-degree assault and driving while intoxicated, the Broome County District Attorney’s Office said. Swan was convicted Dec. 15 in a non-jury trial before Broome County Judge Martin E. Smith. Swan was driving drunk on Sept. 9, 2007, when he crashed, killing Torrence Wilcox and Bobby Infante. A third passenger in Swan’s vehicle, Kimberly Demkovich, was injured in the crash. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: Pressconnects

Navajo community mourn death of sisters Mar 9, 2010

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Santa Fe Police said a man, known to be a repeat drunk driver, is responsible for a five vehicle pile-up Friday night that left two sisters Del Peshlakai, 19, and Deshauna Peshlakai, dead. The Peshlakais are from Naschiti, a Navajo community south of Farmington. They were very well-known at Newcomb High School where Del graduated in 2008 and Deshauna was months away from her own graduation. “When you saw them, their facial expressions just made you want to smile right a long with them, that's the type of girls they were," Newcomb High School Principal Albert Madera said. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: KRQE

Nedrow woman admits guilt in fatal I-81 crash Mar 9, 2010

Syracuse, NY - A Nedrow woman who was pulled from her burning car after slamming into a bridge abutment on Interstate 81 in Syracuse admitted her guilt today in the death of a passenger in that crash last summer. Stephanie L. Campbell, 25, of 313 Route 11A, pleaded guilty before state Supreme Court Justice John Brunetti to a single felony count of first-degree vehicular manslaughter in the July 5 death of 29-year-old Lindsay A. Thomas of Nedrow. Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bednarski said he had been looking for a sentence of three to nine years in prison. Defense lawyer Randi Bainco said she had been looking for a sentence of 1 1/3 to four years in prison. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: Syracuse

Premier Mike Rann pledges to ban repeat driving offenders for life Mar 9, 2010

REPEAT drink-drivers and drug-drivers who are a "menace to society" will be banned from driving for life under reforms pledged by Premier Mike Rann. Mr Rann today announced the Police Commissioner would be given the power to suspend the licences of repeat offenders and branded cars "lethal weapons" in a similar class to guns. Road Safety Minister Michael O'Brien said the changes had been requested by Police Commissioner Mal Hyde. Opposition finance spokesman Rob Lucas said Mr Rann should use the laws to ban Mr Koutsantonis from the road for life. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: Adelaidenow

Parents of Pasco girl killed in wreck sue county Read more: http://ww Mar 4, 2010

The Pasco girl was in the back seat of her father's 1986 Jaguar when Allen Joshua "A.J." Cockrum's motorcycle crashed into the car's back door. Though Cockrum, 19, was drunk when he ran a stop sign. A lawsuit filed Tuesday in Franklin County Superior Court blames the speeding motorcyclist who blew a stop sign and county officials for the death of Nicole Lynn Woodbury. Kennewick lawyer Diehl Rettig, who represents parents Sharon and Jeff Woodbury, also believes county road crews missed many opportunities to install such safety devices as flashing lights to alert motorists to the upcoming stop sign. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: The News Tribune, WA

Man who hit, killed horse gets jail Mar 4, 2010

HAMILTON - A man who was driving drunk when he hit a horse, killing it and injuring its owner who was walking alongside the animal, was sentenced to 150 days in the Butler County Jail on Wednesday. Russell W. Toon, 39, apologized as Judge Craig Hedric sentenced him in Common Pleas Court Wednesday morning. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)

Center Township man pleads guilty in drunken driving fatality Mar 4, 2010

A Center Township man received a 2-to-10-year state prison sentence Monday in Hancock County, W.Va., for driving drunk last year and causing a crash that killed a Hanover Township man. Glenn R. Krugel III, 26, of 137 Poplar Drive pleaded guilty in Hancock County Court to drunken driving causing death and drunken driving causing bodily injury, according to Prosecuting Attorney James Davis. Krugel was charged in a Memorial Day crash that killed Michael J. Tangora, 35. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: Beaver County Times

Man charged with woman's death Mar 4, 2010

SAN ANTONIO -- New details are now out about a deadly drunk driving wreck in our area from earlier this year. Tuesday morning News 4 WOAI obtained the arrest warrant for Rafael Miranda. You may remember that he's the man Bexar County deputies say caused that wreck back in January, and is now charged with intoxication manslaughter. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: WOAI

Suspect in Deputy's Death Pleads Not Guilty Mar 4, 2010

Deputies wearing black bands on their badges escorted the fiancée of San Diego County sheriff’s deputy Ken Collier into the courtroom Wednesday. Deputy Ken Collier, 39, died after his patrol car crashed into a bridge abutment and rolled hundreds of feet down a freeway embankment early Sunday morning. Jose Pedro Lopez Jasso was drunk and high on marijuana. Damon Moser with the district attorney’s office requested bail at $500,000 arguing that the defendant is a Mexican national with an immigration hold and should be considered a flight risk. Judge Brannigan set bail at $750,000. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media) Source: Suspect in Deputy's Death Pleads Not Guilty | NBC San Diego

Arizona man gets 3½ years in drunken-driving death Mar 4, 2010

An Arizona man who pleaded guilty in the drunken-driving death of a 69-year-old woman near Towaoc will serve almost 3½ years in federal prison. Valentino Kieyoani, 24, pleaded guilty in June 2009 to one count of involuntarily manslaughter and two counts of assault causing serious bodily injury. He was sentenced Monday to 41 months behind bars by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn in federal court in Durango. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: Durango Herald News

Woman given 10 years in hit and run, dragging injury from 2007 Mar 4, 2010

SHERMAN - A Gainesville woman was handed a 10-year sentence by a Grayson County grand jury March 2nd in the case where a man was dragged under her car, leaving him permanently injured. Crystal Taylor, 29, received the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media) Source: KTEN

http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-sobriety-checkpoints-030310,0,5487863.s Mar 4, 2010

INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana's traffic deaths have gone down in recent years, in part, police say, because of crackdowns like this. From March 5th to the 21st, more than 250 law enforcement agencies all over the state will be on the lookout for impaired and aggressive drivers. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: FOX 59 News

Man Charged with Killing Woman in West Allis Drunk Driving Crash Mar 4, 2010

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee County District Attorney's office has charged a man with driving drunk and causing the death of a woman in West Allis. Joshua Lechmaier, 21, faces two felony counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, one of them involving a prohibited blood-alcohol concentration, for the crash which happened early Saturday morning near the corner of South Waukesha Road and West Oklahoma Avenue. The crash killed Jennifer Sztukowski, 34, who was riding in the SUV Lechmaier was driving just after 2:00 a.m. that morning. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) Source: TMJ4

Drunk driving charge in fatal crash Mar 4, 2010

An Oakbank man who was critically injured in a single-vehicle rollover last month has died, resulting in charges against the alleged driver being upgraded, RCMP say. Mounties said the 21-year-old man, who was one of three occupants in the older model BMW, died Feb. 26 but investigators with the Selkirk RCMP detachment weren't notified until Monday. The man was ejected from the vehicle. His name wasn't released. The alleged driver, Michael Teichroeb, 27, of Winnipeg, is now charged with impaired driving causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, RCMP said. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media) Source: Winnipeg Sun

Man pleads guilty to DUI death Mar 4, 2010

JOSHUA TREE The sister-in-law of a Twentynine Palms man killed by a drunk driver last February on Twentynine Palms Highway called his death senseless and tragic. “It’s no different than having been shot dead,” Kristin Reed told the court as she tearfully read her own and other family members’ statements about 29-year-old Patrick Reed. The emotional comments were made Friday at Joshua Tree Superior Court during the sentencing of Jason Robert Reyna, also of Twentynine Palms. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media) Source: Hi Desert Star

Health matters: Dedicated mom works to avert tragedy of teen DUIs Mar 4, 2010

When Debra Maher enters a high school, her goal is to dramatically instill in teenagers the dangers of impaired decisions made after consuming alcohol. Life's lessons are best learned through experience, says Maher, but experience is not the teacher of choice with drinking and driving. She wants them to know the consequences beforehand. When the program was initially started, someone died in an alcohol-related crash every 15 minutes. There has been a decline, and according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, there was one alcohol-impaired fatality every 44 minutes by the end of 2008. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)RESOURCE: Palo Alto Daily News

Meekes: Man Accused of Drunk Driving Causing Death Feb 25, 2010

26-year-old Kris Petrie was killed after the car he was riding in hit a tree. The vehicle was allegedly being driven by Steven Andrew Meekes. Meekes, Petrie, and another friend had been at a wedding and were on their way to Woodstock when Meekes lost control on the 16th Line south of Oxford County Road 8 (Every 15 Minutes News & Media)

Bail Set for Fatal DUI Suspect Feb 25, 2010

The young woman accused in last week's drunk driving crash in Henderson that killed two people made her first court appearance today. Bail was set at $225,000 for 19-year-old Anita Mann. She is charged with two felony counts of DUI causing death for the February 16th crash on Horizon Ridge Parkway that left 66-year-old Louis Madden and 65-year-old Karen Hicks dead. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)

State Trooper earns top award for 2009 DWI busts (video) Feb 25, 2010

WAMPSVILLE — Of the 365 driving while intoxicated arrested made in Madison County last year, New York State Trooper George Cameron was responsible for making 30. For the second year in a row, Cameron, stationed out of the Sullivan Troopers office, was awarded the Karl Taylor Award at the 22nd annual Law Enforcement Day Luncheon. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)Wampsville, New York

Dinkins ordered to stand trial for murder in toddler's hit-and-run dea Feb 25, 2010

LONG BEACH - A 34-year-old Long Beach man accused of murder and drunk driving in the hit-and-run dragging death of a 1-year-old girl was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on all felony counts. Disturbing testimony was given in the preliminary hearing for Neely Lejon Dinkins, whose blood alcohol level was measured at .20, or more than double the legal limit at the time of his arrest for the killing of Kaylee Alvarez on Sept. 11, 2009. Dr. Paul Gliniecki, the Los Angeles County Coroner's investigator who conducted the autopsy on Kaylee, testified Wednesday that the girl's cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma caused by being dragged beneath the vehicle.(Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)

VIDEO - Driver Charged In Crash That Killed 3 Feb 3, 2010

EASTON, Pa. -- Prosecutors say a man was drunk when he caused a crash that killed three people last week. Anthony Russel Bruno, 25, had a blood alcohol level of 0.23, according to Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli. That's nearly three times Pennsylvania's legal limit of 0.08. Morganelli says witnesses reported seeing Bruno go through two red lights before he ran a third and crashed his pick-up truck into a car in the 3200 block of Easton Avenue in Bethlehem Township last Thursday. The driver of the car, Chad Horne, 22, from New Jersey, and his two passengers, Robin Villegas, 52, of Staten Island, New York, and Terri Buskirk, 43, of Bethlehem, were killed. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media, Source: WFMZ 69 NEWS)

Anthony Bruno was drunk, ran red lights prior to fatal accident, prose Feb 2, 2010

Anthony Bruno had a blood-alcohol level of 0.23 and ran several red lights prior to causing a crash that killed three people in Bethlehem Township, Pa., on Jan. 28, according to Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli. Bruno, 25, of the 3900 block of Suncrest Lane in the township, faces three counts of homicide by vehicle and related charges in the crash that killed Chad Horne, 23, of Freehold, N.J.; Terri Buskirk, 43, of Lehigh Township and Bethlehem; and Robin Villegas, 52, of Staten Island, N.Y. If convicted of all of the charges, Bruno faces a minimum of nine years in prison. District Judge Joseph Barner today committed him to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media - Source: Lehigh Valley Live)

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Nick Feizy Reveals Its Deadly Conseque Jan 21, 2010

Dallas personal injury lawyer Nick Feizy discloses how drunk driving crashes affect the general public and the fatal dangers created on our streets and highways a result. (PRWEB) January 21, 2010 -- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,773 people died in alcohol related accidents in 2008 where the blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.08 or higher. This is 32% of total traffic fatalities for that year! Out of this number, 57% or 7,378 people had a BAC of 0.15 or more (See DOT HS 811 155).

Teen allegedly assaults parents over beer party Jan 21, 2010

An 18-year-old Lower Macungie Township man is facing assault charges after allegedly knocking his parents to the ground during an argument Friday night over an underage beer party. Ian Santa of the 6200 block of Sweetwood Drive spent two days in jail after state police arrested him on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and underage drinking. According to state police at Fogelsville, the argument between Santa and his parents, Michael Santa, 42, and Tera Santa, 42, happened around 9:30 p.m. Friday. He allegedly threatened them and pushed them to the ground before fleeing. Tera Santa was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest for treatment of injuries. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) - SOURCE: The Morning Call

Man, 23, accused of driving drunk in Manlius crash that left him in cr Jan 21, 2010

Manlius, NY -- A 23-year-old man who suffered critical injuries after slamming his car into a tree Wednesday night in Manlius was charged with drunken driving, town police said. Gary E. Craven was driving about 9:35 p.m. on Collamer Road (Route 298) when he went across the oncoming lane of traffic and crashed his Mazda 6 into a tree, said Capt. Bill Bleyle. Craven underwent emergency surgery late Wednesday and was not able to speak to investigators. He suffered head, chest, leg and foot injuries, Bleyle said. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media - Source:The Post-Standard)

Coroner says East Alton man was drunk, texting at time of fatal crash Jan 21, 2010

SOUTH ROXANA - An East Alton motorist was under the influence of alcohol and apparently was text messaging when he ran a stop sign and slammed into an embankment about 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 6, Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn said Wednesday. Bradley A. Werts, 22, was westbound in a Nissan Sentra on Wagon Wheel Road when he failed to stop at a “T” intersection at Illinois Route 111. The car crossed Route 111 and hit an embankment on the other side. Werts, who had been alone in the car, was pronounced dead at the crash scene. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)Source ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Drunk Driver Marguerite Engle's blood alcohol level may have broken st Jan 21, 2010

A booze-loving South Dakota woman has set a record no one should brag about: She recorded the highest blood-alcohol level in state history. Marguerite Engle, 45, gained the ignoble title Dec. 1 when she was discovered by state troopers slumped behind the wheel of a stolen delivery van. The dazed drunkard had a mind-boggling .708 blood-alcohol content - nearly nine times the legal limit. Perhaps even more surprising: She was still alive. Levels of .40 are considered lethal. "She was almost double that," Meade County State's Attorney Jesse Sondreal told the Daily News Thursday. "The BAC is almost incomprehensible." Terri Comer, a 42-year-old Oregon woman, was arrested in 2007 with a blood alcohol content of .720. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media)Source: DAILY NEWS

Driver in fatal crash was drunk, prosecutors say Jan 21, 2010

An 18-year-old man was drunk Friday when he fled from Milwaukee police in a stolen SUV and collided with a car, killing the car's driver and a passenger, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday. Arlo E. Enoch of Milwaukee is being held in the Milwaukee County Jail on $200,000 bail in connection with the deaths of Don J. Hamilton, 23, and Donte L. Pearson, 21. The crash occurred one day after another person, 21-year-old Shanica Adkins, was killed when the vehicle in which she was riding was struck by an SUV that had been pursued by police and ran a red light at N. Sherman Blvd. and W. Center St. The SUV's driver was arrested, but charges have not yet been filed in connection with that crash. According to the complaint against Enoch: Officers Justin Decleene and Richard Menzel were in a marked police wagon in the parking lot of a gas station at 2707 W. Burleigh St. just before 2:30 a.m. Friday. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media)Source: Journal Sentinel

'Drunk driver' crashes at Mill Park crash teen's funeral Jan 21, 2010

POLICE have nabbed an unlicensed drunk-driver nearly six times over the legal limit outside the funeral for one of five men killed in a car crash at the weekend. The man came to police's attention after the rear of his car struck another car outside St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Mill Park, in Melbourne's north. About 200 mourners are gathered at the venue for the funeral service of Anthony Iannetta, 18, who died when a Ford Falcon driven by 19-year-old drunk P-plater Steve Johnstone slammed into a tree on Plenty Rd, Mill Park, on Sunday. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media)Source:

The real drunk driving problem Jan 20, 2010

The police tell us to drink responsibly... It's sad we still need to be told, but it's good advice all the same. Once upon a time, police officers pulled over impaired drivers only to send them on their way again with a friendly suggestion to take it easy -- but that was another era. Those few who persist in driving drunk now have clearly missed years of public service announcements. If they haven't learned yet, they never will. Here in Ontario, though, Premier Dalton McGuinty's government trumpets its tough-on-crime achievement of inventing a neat way to punish people who haven't broken the law. Matt Gurney, National Post Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010

California DUI Deaths Continue to Decrease Jan 20, 2010

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, California DUI deaths have dropped 9.1% for the third year in a row. In 2007 nearly 1,132 people died in DUI accidents, while in 2008, the number decreased to 1,029. “With this third year of declines in DUI deaths, we can truly call it a trend, a trend of life saving importance,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). “Law enforcement, state and local agencies, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other safety advocates, and the people of California have come together to address this deadly problem and are now seeing the results. As positive as these figures are, though, we can never let up until we achieve our goal of zero deaths.” (Every 15 Minutes News & Media California)

Teen pleads guilty to DUI in crash death Jan 20, 2010

The court made very sure 18-year-old Kevin Schuh knew exactly what he was doing when he entered a guilty plea Monday to the charges that his drunken driving cost Hersey High School sophomore Monika Skrzypkowski her life. The Mount Prospect man entered a blind plea, meaning he pleaded guilty without benefit of a sentencing agreement, effectively throwing himself on the mercy of the court. However, his plea doesn't guarantee leniency. Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Scotillo reiterated to Schuh that neither prosecutors nor the court had agreed upon a sentence. Schuh, of the 1700 block of Kensington, indicated he understood. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media)

Drunk Driving Research Jan 20, 2010

Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities (National Statistics) According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 37,261 people died in traffic crashes in 2008 in the United States (latest figures available), including an estimated 11,773 people who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Drunk driving fatalities accounted for 32% of all traffic deaths last year, that is, on average someone is killed in an alcohol-impaired driving crash every 45 minutes in the U.S. (Source: NHTSA/FARS, 2009) (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)

2008 State of Drunk Driving Fatalities in America summary Jan 20, 2010

Since NHTSA began recording alcohol-related statistics in 1982, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities have decreased 44% from 21,113 in 1982. Since the inception of The Century Council and our national efforts to fight drunk driving, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities have declined 26% from 15,827 in 1991. (Source: NHTSA/FARS, 2009) Download and share our 2008 State of Drunk Driving Fatalities in America summary. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media

Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities (Youth Under 21) Jan 20, 2010

alcohol-related statistics in 1982, among persons under 21, the number killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes decreased 71% from the record high of 5,215 in 1982 to a record low 1,510 in 2008. Among those under 21, about two young people are killed in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities for every 100,000 American under the age of 21. The rate of under 21 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 population has declined 33% over the past decade. (Source: NHTSA/FARS, 2009) (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)

Mothers Against Drunk Driving cutting Wisconsin office Jan 20, 2010

Mothers Against Drunk Driving will dramatically downsize its Wisconsin operation at the end of the month, according to Heidi Castle, vice president of communications for MADD. Wisconsin Executive Director Kari Kinnard and the Wisconsin development director have been notified that their jobs will be terminated at the end of the month. The office will remain open with a single employee, the victim advocate, Castle said. The change comes just as the state's Legislature is considering dramatic changes to drunken driving laws for the first time in years. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media)

Airmen donate time, gas to reduce drunk driving in Japan Jan 20, 2010

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — So I was walking down the street late last Saturday night, checking out the bar scene with some friends, when I uttered the following: "Dude, did anyone else just see two gorillas walk around that corner?" Staff Sgt. John Rorie, Senior Airman Abraham Vallejo, Staff Sgt. Jason Richards, Tech. Sgt. Chris Ballard, Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Counselman, Staff Sgt. Mike Mahaffey, Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Gehrig, Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Silva, Staff Sgt. John Rorie, Airman Corey Holt, Senior Airman Abraham Vallejo hand out fliers Friday at the Misawa Air Base front gate to announce their Monkeys Against Drunk Driving program. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media - JAPAN)

Beer Goggles Jan 20, 2010

The goggles were “eye opening,” said Rick Rivero of Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Armed Forces Strategic Command, who was with a group of co-workers who came from Peterson Air Force Base to attend safety day. “It was interesting to see how ‘double vision’ complicated what you’re used to doing,” he said. Teri Steele, a civilian employee co-worker from the same organization, said that wearing the drunk goggles was a strange experience. After each volunteer completed the driving course, Spc. Joelene Raciborski, a traffic investigator assigned to 148th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military PoliceBattalion, tested each volunteer with sobriety tests. “All the drivers demonstrated the three indicators and would have been under arrest,” she said. Edgardo A. Menjivar prevention coordinator, Army Substance Abuse Program, said people learn from wearing the drunk goggles. Fort Carson Colorado Springs, CO (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media) NOTE: You can order the BEER GOGGLES at http://www.every15minutes.com/products/

Adult arrested in underage drinking bust, teen taken to ER Jan 14, 2010

The Luna County Sheriff's Office is checking on status of several juveniles who were partying, with alcohol, at an address on Santa Barbara Street when a deputy stopped there at 12:53 a.m. Sunday, on a traffic stop. A 14-year-old Deming girl was taken to Mimbres Memorial Hospital for treatment of alcohol poisoning. Joseph Contreras, 22, of the 400 block of South Yucca, was arrested for contributing to the delinquency of minors. Deputies listed several teenagers on a report. None were cited as a minor in possession of alcohol, nor was the person at whose address the youngsters were gathered. Sheriff's Capt. Arturo Baeza said he would be checking on status of those people. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media, California)

Father, son charged after DWI arrest Jan 14, 2010

A man who objected to state police interviewing his son about a drunken-driving accident was charged with obstruction, Oneonta police said Sunday. Kevin Mitchell, 46, of Morris, was charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, troopers said. Mitchell allegedly pushed two troopers after they arrived at his house to speak with his son, Matthew Mitchell, 21. (Every 15 Minutes Program News & Media)

Accused Underage Drinkers Face Possible New Charges Jan 14, 2010

INDIO - A commissioner will consider a motion that seeks to challenge a decision to approve a slew of agreements made in more than 70 misdemeanor underage drinking cases involving Coachella Music and Arts Festival attendees on Friday. Around 75 defendants were set to appear in court this morning for the hearing, but the judge decided to push back the proceedings until Friday morning. The District Attorney's Office has filed a motion to overturn the agreements that defense attorneys and Superior Court Commissioner Hugh Bobys reached on July 13. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control conducted a sting operation during the Coachella Music and Arts Festival that targeted underage drinkers in possession of alcohol or fake identification, according to the motion. (Every 15 Minutes Program - News & Media, INDIO, California)

Clover parents charged after hosting teen drinking party Jan 14, 2010

Two Clover parents have been arrested after police say they hosted an alcohol party for teens on New Year's Eve. Daniel Scott Davis, 45, and Angela Murphy Davis, 43, both were charged Tuesday after a York County Sheriff's Office investigation into the party, said Lt. Tim Smith of the sheriff's office. The Davis' are accused of hosting a party at their house, 6098 Oakridge Road, on New Year's Eve where 10 teens, ages 16 and 17, were supplied with and allowed to drink alcohol, Smith said. (Every 15 Minutes News & Media)