Friday, November 26, 2010

Get The Best Winter Tires For Safe Winter Driving

Find the best winter tires so you can be ready for safe winter driving. I think the Goodyear Nordic tires are the best and you might think that too...read this article to find out what makes these winter tires the best...better than all the rest.


Photo Caption: Interesting Fact: When equipped with a set of Goodyear Nordic winter tires, you are able to stop shorter on average up to a distance of 60' while traveling at 60km/h.

(NC)—As winter approaches, Canadians begin to prepare not only for winter, but for safe winter driving. For all drivers this should include changing all-season tires over to winter tires.

Winter tires are designed for winter driving conditions – colder temperatures, snow and ice – and are therefore safer for winter driving than all-season tires. At temperatures below 7 C, all season tires begin to lose elasticity and traction. Winter tires are made with a compound that retains elasticity and gives better control and traction not only in ice and snow, but also on cold, dry pavement. The Goodyear Nordic, for example, stops on average up to 60 feet sooner than a best-selling all season tire travelling at 60 km/hr.

A few tips to remember when installing your winter tires this year:

Winter tires should always be installed in sets of four. Failing to do so may cause loss of vehicle control.

Don't think you're safe if you drive an SUV or truck – all passenger vehicles should be equipped with winter tires.

When purchasing winter tires look for the mountain/snowflake logo on the tire sidewall which indicates the tire has met or exceeded the Rubber Association of Canada's standards for acceptable winter tire performance.

Purchase winter tires as a package with wheels to save time and cost mounting tires onto your existing wheels and reduce stress on your tires, leading to longer tire life.

Look for affordable opportunities to be ready for winter driving. For example, this fall Canadian Tire offers deferred payment on a set of winter tires purchased using their Canadian Tire Options® MasterCard® with no interest, no payment and no fees for 12 months.

Check out your local Goodyear dealer to find the best deals on the best winter tires out there. You know what Canadian winters are like, so if these Goodyears work up in Canada, they will work anywhere there is cold and snowy weather. Be safe this winter, get the best winter tires for your vehicle.

SOURCE

NSW Police safe driving campaign starts

NSW drink and drug drivers are being warned they will be caught, as police launch Australia and New Zealand's biggest crackdown operation.

Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) began at 0001 (AEDT) on Friday and will continue until just before midnight on Sunday, December 12.

NSW police Assistant Commissioner John Hartley warned motorists they will have nowhere to hide during the operation.

'If you have taken drugs, or you are drinking and driving, you will be targeted,' Asst Comm Hartley said in a statement on Friday.

'Police will be out in force and we will find you.'

More than 5000 motorists were charged with drink-driving offences around the country during Operation RAID last year.

Asst Comm Hartley said 393 people have died on NSW roads this year, with statistics showing alcohol plays a factor in about a quarter of fatal crashes.

'I urge motorists to take personal responsibility for their driving behaviour and to remember that anyone who acts up behind the wheel will be caught and will be dealt with under the full force of the law,' he said.

SOURCE

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Let's Have A Safe Holiday: No Drinking And Driving

Holiday weekends have been targeted as times that need the extra vigilance. To many people take to the roads after drinking. It is important that this not happen.

From 2005 to 2007, 23 people died in Minnesota traffic accidents during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Thirteen were alcohol-related crashes. Therefore, it was identified by the State Patrol as the deadliest weekend.

Operation NightCAP is a federally funded program that puts overtime police officers on extra patrols in Minnesota’s 15 deadliest counties. The thought behind identifying the holiday increase is to get the word out so that drunk drivers may think twice about taking to the roads. “The goal here isn’t to stop people from having a good time,” State Patrol Lt. Mark Peterson said.” “The whole idea is for [drunk drivers] to believe that they’re going to get caught.”

In any drunk driving collision, there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. My partner, Joe Crumley, addressed this topic in a past article for the Minnesota Lawyers Trial magazine. Beyond the accident, there may be Dram shop issues that have to be investigated.

SOURCE

Friday, November 19, 2010

Drunk driving in Texas - Editorial Board Sounds Off

Every week, we poll the members of the editorial board on a timely and divisive topic. This week, the question is:

Texas ranks among the 10 states that have done the least to prevent alcohol-related traffic fatalities, according to a report released this week by the National Transportation Safety Board. Our news story on this explained that Texas has one of highest proportions of drunken driving deaths in the country, yet has implemented only four of the federal agency's 11 recommendations to eliminate "hard core" drunken driving. For details, go here. Given these facts, what are the most important dditional measures - if any - do you think we should be advocating for when the Texas Legislature convenes in January?

Here are their responses:

Keven Ann Willey, editor of the editorial page:
Frankly, I was surprised to learn that Texas employs only four of the recommended 11 sanctions against DWI, especially given the enormity of the problem in this state. As our news story the other day pointed out, fully 40 percent of traffic accidents statewide involved a drunk driver - the fifth highest in the country. That's huge. Just last week, we read about a man who was convicted of a double murder while driving drunk in Denton County. This guy had three previous DWI convictions (which means he probably actually had many more DWI issues, given that the state's permissive plea bargain laws allow for many DWI-related offenses to occur before they actually get prosecuted as an actual DWI offense).What was this guy doing behind the wheel in the first place?

Unfortunately the online version of our story doesn't include the detail that was actually in the paper about what Texas does and doesn't do. In shorthand, the state reportedly does four things well: revoke licenses, impose heightened penalties for high blood-alcohol levels (over 0.15), allow judges to weigh past DWI offenses when assessing penalties for new offenses, and sanction hard-core offenders especially harshly.

Among the actions the state hasn't taken that the safety board thinks it should, in shorthand: employ more sobriety checkpoints, impound more vehicles or use interlock devices more commonly, eliminate diversion programs, impose penalties for driving with a 0.08 blood-alcohol level, develop a "hot sheet" program to identify frequent offenders, develop other confinement alternatives, outlaw plea bargaining, etc....

I think the highest priority should be focusing on repeat offenders. We need to eliminate the difficulty of taking these ticking time bombs off the road. Judges should mandate interlock devices and impound cars of itinerate alcohol abusers more frequently. Developing a "hot sheet" program to identify frequent offenders - sort of like a terrorist watch list at airports - makes tremendous sense to me.

I'm even sympathetic to an idea put forth by one of our volunteer Voices columnists - a retired Dallas cop named Scotty Holt - at a workshop we held with them earlier this week. He argued for making blood-alcohol tests mandatory for anybody pulled over on suspicion of DWI. This would be a bit more costly on the front end; blood tests for all. But it would be much cheaper - and more sensible - in the long run by eliminating much of the legal maneuvering and gamesmanship surrounding DWI prosecutions. It would provide unambiguous evidence - either your blood alcohol was over the limit or not - of your status. It should be a much more black-and-white, fact-based process. So do the blood work, get the answer, take your penalty (or walk if your level was OK). Get it done. Quit with the diversionary tactics. Move on.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Maker of Four Loko to stop shipments to NY state



The maker of a caffeinated alcoholic drink that has been banned in four states has agreed to stop shipments to New York state.

Gov. David Paterson and the State Liquor Authority announced the agreement Sunday with Chicago-based Phusion Projects, which makes the drink Four Loko, and with the state's largest beer distributors to stop selling caffeinated alcoholic beverages.

"New Yorkers deserve to know that the beverages they buy are safe for consumption," Paterson said.

The company agreed to stop shipping the drinks by Nov. 19. Distributors have until Dec. 10 to finish out their inventory.

The popular drinks have been banned in Washington, Michigan, Utah and Oklahoma.

Four Loko comes in several varieties, including fruit punch and blue raspberry. A 23.5-ounce can sells for about $2.50 and has an alcohol content of 12 percent, comparable to four beers, according to the company's website.

"This drink is too easy for teens to get and too dangerous for them to consume," said state Sen. Joel Klein in a statement. He announced on Sunday, along with the State Liquor Authority, that a minor working undercover for the police was illegally sold Four Loko at 11 of 28 stores in the Bronx on Nov. 9.

College students have been hospitalized after drinking the beverages, including in New Jersey, where one school banned them on campus.

Phusion also agreed to fund alcohol awareness programs as part of the agreement. In a statement, co-founder Jaisen Freeman said the company believes that mixing alcohol and caffeine is safe, but the company wanted "to be known for cooperation and collaboration, not controversy."

"We were the first company to take this voluntary step," he said. "And we think it shows that we are not turning a deaf ear to what's going on: that a select few have chosen to abuse our products, drink them while underage or break the law and sell them to minors."

New York's liquor regulators said there was insufficient evidence to show that the products were safe.

"We have an obligation to keep products that are potentially hazardous off the shelves, and there is simply not enough research to show that these products are safe," said Dennis Rosen, chairman of the state Liquor Authority, in a statement.

Steve Harris, president of the New York State Beer Wholesalers Association, said some of its members have agreed to stop selling the drinks and the association's executive committee is recommending that the entire membership follow suit.

"We are pleased to be a partner in the process of resolving the tangled issues that have surrounded these products," he said.

The federal Food and Drug Administration said in late 2009 that it had notified at least 30 manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic drinks that they were reviewing the products' safety.

SOURCE

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Teen driving: practice and parenting makes a better driver

Possibly one of the biggest dangers to teen drivers is themselves.

That's why many education programs require teens to only drive with one other teen in vehicle while they are getting their license.

But, a lot can be done by the parent to prevent accidents.

Twin Falls Driver’s Education Coordinator Mark Schaal said, "The more experience you can provide these kids the better drivers they're gonna be. Hopefully prevent them from being in any type of accidents."

Schaal says in his 23 year's of experience as a drivers instructor, he’s seen the students who come in with some knowledge of driving a vehicle do a better in class.
He said, "It comes down to an experience factor as the bottom line, the kids that have been out behind the wheel or been on some type of vehicle, have some ideas about the control the speed."

This can go a long way when educating teens on how to safely operate a vehicle.
But now a days it’s tough to keep teens eyes on the road with more distractions than ever. Cell phones are the latest distractions for teen drivers along with there peers.

Schaal said, "Anytime you get 4 or 5 teenagers in the car socially energized environment, sometimes bad things are going to happen. they get to driving things teenagers do and forget about the driving task at hand that's when the problems occure."

That's why teen's are required to only drive with one other person their age for 6 months after getting their license.

But, according to new statistics, parents play a big part in keeping their teens safe out on the road.

SOURCE

Friday, November 12, 2010

Alco-Buddy's November Special Offer



Alco-Buddy has a new special offer this month for entrepreneurs looking take there small business to the next level. For those who are new and are looking to start up a small business, be sure to check out this offer. Buy 10 Alco-buddy Machines and you get 1 FREE. Happy Safe Driving!

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Traffic cops educate students about safe driving

KANPUR: Road discipline ensures smooth and safe movement of traffic. The traffic cops visited Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre on Thursday as part of the ongoing traffic month and apprised students about traffic laws.

The students from classes 6 to 12 witnessed the demonstration given by cops on safe driving in the school playground between 11 and 12.30 pm. SP traffic RP Gautam and CO traffic Surendranath Tewari emphasised on collective responsibility of the citizens on road safety.

Gautam said that the need of the hour is to cope with the increasing number of road accidents. The main reasons of fatal accidents are the poor condition of roads, vehicles or the mental state of the driver. He said that the parents are responsible for encouraging the under-age driving. The SP warned the students that action will be taken against the ones who violate the traffic rules.

Later, traffic cops Afaq Ahmed and Hari Shanker Verma gave a demonstration on safe driving. Ahmed emphasised that all persons should wear the seat belts while sitting in the car. One must wear a helmet while driving a two-wheeler and avoid use of a mobile phone.

CO traffic Surendranath Tiwari told the students about the aim of traffic awareness. He asked the students to read the pamphlets on safety rules. The CO said that overspeeding and breaking the law can be a thrill for sometime but ultimately a big loss for the family.

Class IX students were shown video on traffic rules and regulations.

Principal Reeta Midha advised the students to abide by traffic rules.

SOURCE

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Alco-Buddy Tool Helps Prevent Halloween Drunk Driving Tragedies

Holbrook, NY—Halloween is fast becoming one of the most scary and deadliest holidays on U.S. highways. With millions of Americans making plans to attend Halloween parties this week, a New York company urges partygoers who plan to drink to take a simple test before they get behind the wheel. Alco-Buddy, a patented breathalyzer with a accuracy rate of +/- .01, allows bar patrons to test their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level and prevent them from hitting the roads and endangering others.

“People are gearing up this week for Halloween parties at their local bars. Alco-Buddy is a simple and affordable test that gives patrons the information they need to make a responsible decision about driving if they’ve had too much to drink.” says John Berlingieri of Alco-Buddy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey estimates 1 in 5 Americans admit they have driven drunk. The statistics for Halloween drunk driving are frightening. According to NHTSA, nearly 60% of all Halloween highway fatalities across the country involved a driver with a BAC of .08.

Berlingieri added, “Prevention is key. Drunk driving is a serious problem in this country and can not only lead to tragedy but also jail time, loss of your license and increased insurance rates. Alco-Buddy can help prevent drunk driving by providing patrons with accurate information quickly so they can make a responsible decision, stay off the roads and find another way home.”

Alco-Buddy.com

Review of B.C.'s impaired laws controversial

B.C. restaurant and bar owners are expressing relief at news that the provincial government is mulling changes to strict new impaired driving laws, but not everyone supports relaxing the enforcement.

Solicitor General Rich Coleman said Monday his office would review the new penalties that came into effect in September in light of complaints from the food and beverage industry. The B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association estimates some businesses have seen sales drop between 15 and 30 per cent, and welcomed the news of the review.

"I think it's good for everyone that works in this industry," said Tim Murphy, general manager of the Shark Club in downtown Vancouver.

The new laws introduced tough roadside penalties for anyone caught with a blood alcohol level over .05, leading many people to conclude they cannot legally drive after one drink.

"I think if they're going to review it and look at it and they have a plan for it and it's done properly, it should be a good thing."

No discretion required: MADD

Coleman also said police need to exercise more discretion and shouldn't always tow vehicles for people who blow over .05.

READ MORE

Plea Deal still unknown for Jets Receiver Braylon Edwards in Drunk-Driving case

Jets receiver Braylon Edwards caught a long touchdown pass two days ago, but he hasn't scored a plea deal yet in his drunk-driving case.

The fleet-footed Edwards could only watch as the lawyers explained to a Manhattan judge that they were still dickering over what to do.

"We're still in those discussions," said Assistant District Attorney Alyssa Gunther, who did not make a plea offer in court.

After court, Edwards' lawyer insisted the discussions between the two sides were not plea discussions but an "open dialogue."

"He's not getting any special treatment," Peter Frankel said of his neatly tailored client.

As for Edwards, "he's super focused on what he's doing - and he's doing great," Frankel said.

Edwards was slammed with drunk driving charges on Sept. 21 after taking the wheel with twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system, officials charge.

The one-time Pro Bowler reeked of liquor when he was arrested shortly before sunrise while driving a 2007 Range Rover with two teammates in Manhattan.

"I had a couple of drinks," Edwards told the arresting officer. "We were just coming home from a party. What about if I just leave the car and take a cab and go home?"

The cop said no and slapped the cuffs on the receiver.

Edwards was flagged at the corner of W. 34th St. and 12th Ave. because of his tinted windows, which are illegal if cops can't see through them.

SOURCE

Monday, November 8, 2010

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UPS Delivers Safe Driving Expertise to Boys & Girls Clubs

On Nov. 15, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and UPS are offering local Club members a comprehensive teen safe driving course – the UPS Road Code -- that incorporates UPS’s world-class safe-driving methods.

Teen driving accidents are the leading cause of adolescent deaths in America (1 in 3 teen deaths), and young people in Georgia often don’t have the driving skills they need to stay safe behind the wheel. To combat that, UPS and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have joined forces to teach teens to drive safer.

On Nov. 15, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and UPS are offering local Club members a comprehensive teen safe driving course – the UPS Road Code -- that incorporates UPS’s world-class safe-driving methods. The four-hour session includes the latest interactive tools developed to train UPS’ newest drivers.

The UPS Foundation has given $2 million to this cause nationally and is supplying driving experts to serve as volunteer instructors. The Warren/Holyfield branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is one of 22 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country participating in the UPS Road Code program.

READ FULL ARTICLE

MADD wants you to think ahead this holiday season

As police across Edmonton set up Checkstops this holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada wants to make sure you get the message.
If you're going to have a few drinks at a party, MADD wants you to plan ahead by arranging for a designated driver, calling a taxi, or staying overnight.
National President Denise Dubyk lost her son-in-law in an impaired driving collision in May, 2000.
"I'll never forget that morning, I'll never forget seeing the pain in my daughter's eyes or in the eyes of my grandsons who were just 2 and 6 at the time. As a mother and grandmother there was nothing I could do to protect them."
MADD says impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death in Canada, claiming over 12 hundred lives in 2007 alone.

SOURCE

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Oak Forest High School to stress safe driving

Oak Forest senior Alicia Tracy tried on a pair of goggles that are supposed to simulate what it's like to be drunk. But there was a serious purpose behind it.

Called Fatal Vision Goggles, the specs distort one's vision enough to make even the simplest of tasks incredibly difficult.

Giving demonstrations with the goggles is one way the school staff may do to stress the importance of safe driving.

Oak Forest recently received an Operation Teen Safe Driving Grant for the second year in a row, courtesy of the Illinois Department of Transportation. The district will take the $2,000 grant and implement a variety of activities to reinforce not driving while drunk or distracted by other things such as texting.

"They really throw off your equilibrium," Tracy said of the glasses. "I looked down at my feet and it felt like they were right in front of my. They really alter your depth perception."

The school's program will be from Dec. 1 through the end of February. School officials are still finalizing what activities they will undertake.

Oak Forest driver education and physical education teacher Tom Monahan said the program provides some necessary reinforcement of what he teaches in class.

It's programs like this that have contributed to fewer teen deaths in Illinois over the past few years, Monahan said.

He said giving kids more time to prepare and learn before getting their driver's licenses has helped too. In the past few years the state has increased the number of hours behind the wheel a student must have before getting their license from 25 to 50. A student must also have their learning permit for nine months instead of three before they can get their licenses.

SOURCE

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Teen dressed up as a Breathalyzer arrested

A Nebraska teenager dressed up as a breathalyser for Halloween was arrested for drink-driving after leaving a party.

Matthew Nieveen, 19, was arrested early on Monday morning for driving under the influence and being a minor in possession of alcohol, according to police.

Police in Lincoln pulled Nieveen over in his Ford F-150 after the partygoer was allegedly spotted driving erratically.



His blood alcohol level was more than twice the state's .08 limit.
Chief of Police Tom Casady, said: "Because I can't make this stuff up, yesterday morning after the bars closed, Officer Tyler Nitz arrested this man for drunk driving.

"The defendant was still dressed in his Halloween costume and he tested more than twice the legal limit.
"He was joined at the detox center by a French maid and a naughty border patrol agent."

SOURCE

Safe Teen Driving Promoted Through New Programs

Car crashes account for the No. 1 way teens die. Several driving programs in Broward aim to curb that statistic.
BY EILEEN SOLER

SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD

If the number of teenagers killed by disease were as epidemic as the number of teens who die in car crashes, millions would pledge to find a cure.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motor vehicle crashes, the No. 1 cause of death for teenagers, account for one in three teenage deaths nationwide.

Last year in Florida, 153 teens were killed in car crashes. So far this year, the teen death toll is 116.

During the past three weeks in Broward and Miami-Dade, five teens -- three age 17 and two age 18 -- died in automobile wrecks.

``We need legislation, but while we wait for that to happen we have to teach defensive driving,'' said Michael Rouse, Toyota's vice president of philanthropy, at a recent Toyota Driving Expectations defensive driving weekend for teens.

About 300 licensed teens and 400 parents turned out for 12 free driving sessions in the parking lot of Outdoor World in Dania Beach.

Toyota put the teens behind the wheel on courses that required them to do wrong so they could learn how to make it right.

With professional drivers in the passenger seat, the teens weaved through a slalom, drove at high speeds then slammed on the brakes, and allowed themselves to be distracted by cellphones, water bottles and other things.

``The biggest issue is distracted driving. Kids think they are invincible, so they do many things when they should be just driving,'' said Karen Polan, the program manager.

Of 33,808 traffic fatalities last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation blamed 5,474 on distracted drivers and called the problem ``an epidemic.'' Cellphone use was blamed for 995 of the deaths.

While kids learned safe driving, parents learned about common teen driving mistakes and got tips on how to be role models, coaches and mentors for good driving habits.
``Our goal is one goal only. That is to save lives,'' Polan said.

On Tuesday, 400 teenagers met in the auditorium of West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines to mark National Teen Driving Safety Week. The assembly, sponsored by the Broward school district and Florida Highway Patrol, gave kids a chance to hear the facts behind teenage crashes and the heartache it leaves behind.

Kyle Dailey, curriculum specialist for Broward Schools Driver Education Program, said teens are inundated with information and warnings about safe driving: Billboards, television commercials, school assemblies and their parents provide constant reminders.

Broward Schools offers free driving classes to about 9,000 teens per year at the county's 15 public high schools. Registration for the next session begins Nov. 1.
``But some of you listen and some of you don't,'' Daily told the teens. ``We're hoping that you all hear us so when it comes to making a crucial decision, you make the right decision.''

The message hit home for some students when Arielle Konen, president of the school's Key Club, recalled the death by car crash last year of West Broward High senior Christina Chaiken, 17.

``It's a real problem that we all have to deal with, like it or not,'' Konen told the students.

Some listened with heads in their hands and tears in their eyes when Donna Uzzi of Coral Springs spoke. Uzzi's son, Anthony Almonte, 16, died Nov. 15, 2009, after homecoming night at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Also killed in the crash were two of his classmates, Robert Nugent and Sean Maxey, both 16. One friend survived.

So far this year, teen deaths by car crash is showing a decline, but John Pisula of State Farm Insurance said much can happen before the year ends.

``Fall is the deadliest season for teen drivers and October is the worst month of all. Kids are back to school showing off their cars, we have homecoming and football games . . . guys soup up their cars, put the seat back and blast their stereo,'' Pisula said.

Pisula said he was struck personally by the tragic deaths of Kevin O'Connell and Ian Guckian, both 18, who were killed in an early-morning crash Oct. 5 in Miramar. Pisula is a friend of the parents of the boys, who were best friends.

Miramar police said the driver lost control of the speeding car, hit a tree, went airborne and slammed into a house. It was unclear who was driving.
Robert Schnell of Parkland, a retired Broward Sheriff's Office deputy and volunteer ambulance driver whose son, Michael Schnell, 17, attended the Toyota event, said a course in teen defensive driving should be mandatory. Michael's mother, Cindy Schnell, agreed.

``The more teenagers learn, the less chances they will take and the more careful they will be -- the less foolish they will be,'' Cindy Schnell said.

SOURCE

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Are mandatory drug test becoming the new standard for school employees?

THIBODAUX — Lafourche public-school employees may soon be required to take a drug test after any on-the-job injuries, if a plan headed to the Lafourche School Board on Wednesday is approved.

The change would lower costs and make the workplace safer, officials said.

By discouraging drug and alcohol use, the policy would make it mishaps less likely in the first place, said Lafourche schools Safety Manager Seth Holloway.

“It makes the place safer, not only for our employees but also for our staff and our kids,” Holloway said.

Fewer accidents means less money would be spent on worker’s compensation claims, Holloway said. And any mishaps involving drugs or alcohol will not cost anything beyond the drug test.

“If they do get injured and they are caught as far as drug and alcohol use, they can be terminated immediately,” he said. “So their worker’s comp claim won’t be paid.”

Worker’s compensation claims can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, Holloway said. Drug testing would cost $5,000 to $10,000 per year, he said.

The effort is meant to increase overall safety.

“There’s no person or department where we’re saying they’re” working while using drugs or alcohol, he said. “But in any workforce there’s a percentage doing this.”

The change would include working closely with Thibodaux Regional’s medical network, including an online tracking system that keeps school officials up-to-date with the status of injured employees. The intent, Holloway said, is to “get them back to work faster.”

If the board agrees to enter the program, the Policy and Procedure Committee will be tasked with making necessary changes to the school system’s policy manual before drug testing begins.

SOURCE

MADD seeks random breathalyzer test for Teen Drivers

If Mothers Against Drunk Driving CEO Andrew Murie has his way, drivers across Canada could be forced to take a breathalyzer test anywhere, anytime — whether police suspect drunk driving or not.

And Murie may get it.

“We had one of Canada’s leading constitutional lawyers look at the issue of random breath testing,” said Murie, who was on-hand Tuesday for MADD Canada’s annual launch of its Project Red Ribbon campaign in Toronto. “He said it would probably be challenged but it would be upheld because driving is a privilege and the benefits to society far outweigh the infringement (on drivers).”

Murie has some big backers in the random breath testing debate.

Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson has endorsed such a change in the law, echoing a June 2009 recommendation from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights that Ottawa amend the criminal code to allow police across Canada to conduct random breath tests.

RBT would replace Canada’s current, 40-year-old way of doing things, where police can demand a breath test only if they have reason to suspect a driver is too drunk to drive.

Ottawa said it would talk to the provinces first, then consider the changes.

Murie sites countries that have RBT — Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand and Ireland are some — pointing out they have seen less and less carnage on their roadways.

“We’re way behind the rest of the democratic societies,” said Murie. “There’s a difference of about 20% in the decrease in deaths and injuries (between) the countries that have it and the countries that don’t.”

But RBT is a slippery slope for a “free and democratic country” such as Canada, said Nathalie Des Rosiers of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

Increasing police power to that point, she said, would send the truth north strong and free toward becoming a police state.

“It’s about giving the power to the police to arrest someone anywhere, anytime and subject them to a criminal investigation where they have to comply, even though there is no reasonable grounds that they’ve done anything wrong,” said Des Rosier.

A big reason RBT won’t work, she said, is many of the hardcore drinkers will get behind the wheel, regardless of random testing.

There is also an overall lack of police spot checks, as well as not enough alternative transportation, such as taxis, Des Rosiers said.

Everyday people also need to be more proactive — if you see someone about to get behind the wheel, speak up, Des she said.

But Carolyn Swinson, past president of MADD’s Toronto chapter, may not agree.

Swinson looks at the issue from a personal perspective and like many current and former MADD staffers, she is driven by her own loss.

“I think about Rob every day,” said Swinson of her son, who was killed at the hands of a drunk driver 17 years ago.

Swinson, who still holds back tears when talking about it, says her son’s death set her to work toward a day when no parent has to go though what she did.

“You lose a child, and it is the most painful thing,” she said, “and you make a decision to take revenge or to do something, which is why I got involved with MADD.”

SOURCE

Even a Judge can face DWI Charges

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - Hamilton Superior Court Judge William Hughes will have to face a North Carolina judge after getting behind the wheel drunk. Court documents in Currituck County North Carolina say Hughes blew a .13.

That's nearly two times the legal limit, which is .08 under North Carolina laws, the drunk driving charge is a misdemeanor. Hughes, 55, was also charged with driving left of center, which is a traffic violation.

24-Hour News 8 spoke with the Assistant Clerk of Courts, Debbie Basnight, in Currituck County. She says court documents show Hughes traveled left of center twice. He's also accused of turning on his turn signal a half of mile before the turn.

Basnight said according to a citation report, "The officer says he noticed a light odor of alcohol upon (Hughes') breath. The defendant was polite and cooperative."

Monday, Hughes released a report to the media stating he was arrested on drunk driving charges October 27. The longtime judge said he was vacationing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Turns out, Hughes did not spend anytime behind bars. He signed an unsecured bond according to Basnight . Hughes, who is handling the Carmel High School basketball hazing cases and former money manager Marcus Schrenker’s divorce says he notified Judicial Qualifications Committee for review.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 24, 2011.

SOURCE