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
Saturday, November 6, 2010
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
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
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
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
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
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
Monday, October 25, 2010
Beefed up Patrols for Halloween
Halloween is a time of year for more than one kind of spirits.
There’s more drinking and thus more drunken driving in what’s become a costumed, hearty party season, according to state traffic experts. “It’s one of our busiest times of the year,” said State Police Inspector Gene Adamczyk of the Lansing office.
So police in Michigan will step up drunk driving patrols this week and Sunday, Halloween, Adamczyk said. That includes county and local police departments. Federal money will pay for extra overtime for road patrols, said Ann Readett, spokesperson for the Michigan Office of Highway and Safety Planning.
Also, a new drunk driving law takes effect Sunday with stiffer penalties for first-time convictions of driving with blood alcohol contents of 0.17 grams or higher. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 is considered drunk driving. Those convicted of driving with high levels of blood alcohol would have their license suspended automatically. They also could face 180 days in jail, bigger fines, six points on their driving record and mandatory alcohol treatment.
A restricted license could be granted after 45 days if a driver agrees to install a breath alcohol ignition device on the vehicle they drive. The driver must blow into the device, as with a Breathalylzer, to start the vehicle. The car won’t start if the blood alcohol level registers .025 or higher. Currently, ignition interlock devices are used only for repeat drunk drivers. The driver must blow into the device periodically while driving as well. If it measures alcohol, the car’s horn will sound and its lights will flash until it’s turned off. Then, the driver must contact a probation officer to restart the vehicle – and deal with the consequences.
The convicted driver must pay the installation and daily cost of the ignition interlock device. The installation cost could be waived for low-income drivers. “It will make Michigan roads safer and it will help people get the help they need,” said Rep. Marc Corriveau, D-Northville. He is co-sponsor of the legislation along with Rep. Bob Constan, D-Dearborn Heights.
Michigan has 45,000 drunk driving arrests a year. Of those, nearly 15,000 involve a driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.17 or higher, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning.
Article Source
There’s more drinking and thus more drunken driving in what’s become a costumed, hearty party season, according to state traffic experts. “It’s one of our busiest times of the year,” said State Police Inspector Gene Adamczyk of the Lansing office.
So police in Michigan will step up drunk driving patrols this week and Sunday, Halloween, Adamczyk said. That includes county and local police departments. Federal money will pay for extra overtime for road patrols, said Ann Readett, spokesperson for the Michigan Office of Highway and Safety Planning.
Also, a new drunk driving law takes effect Sunday with stiffer penalties for first-time convictions of driving with blood alcohol contents of 0.17 grams or higher. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 is considered drunk driving. Those convicted of driving with high levels of blood alcohol would have their license suspended automatically. They also could face 180 days in jail, bigger fines, six points on their driving record and mandatory alcohol treatment.
A restricted license could be granted after 45 days if a driver agrees to install a breath alcohol ignition device on the vehicle they drive. The driver must blow into the device, as with a Breathalylzer, to start the vehicle. The car won’t start if the blood alcohol level registers .025 or higher. Currently, ignition interlock devices are used only for repeat drunk drivers. The driver must blow into the device periodically while driving as well. If it measures alcohol, the car’s horn will sound and its lights will flash until it’s turned off. Then, the driver must contact a probation officer to restart the vehicle – and deal with the consequences.
The convicted driver must pay the installation and daily cost of the ignition interlock device. The installation cost could be waived for low-income drivers. “It will make Michigan roads safer and it will help people get the help they need,” said Rep. Marc Corriveau, D-Northville. He is co-sponsor of the legislation along with Rep. Bob Constan, D-Dearborn Heights.
Michigan has 45,000 drunk driving arrests a year. Of those, nearly 15,000 involve a driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.17 or higher, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning.
Article Source
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