WASHINGTON — As states liberalize their marijuana laws, public officials and safety advocates worry that more drivers high on pot will lead to a big increase in traffic deaths. Researchers who have studied the issue, though, are divided on the question. Studies of marijuana’s effects show that the drug can slow decision-making, decrease peripheral vision and impede multitasking, all of which are critical driving skills. But unlike with alcohol, drivers high on pot tend to be aware that they are impaired ... Read More »
Home / DUI News Digest (page 30)
Upswing in DUI arrests since legalization of marijuana
SPOKANE, Wash. – While people driving high have always been a concern, it’s even more so now that legal weed is so accessible. The Washington Transportation Safety Commission is going to extra lengths to inform people that driving high is a crime. “Our deputies are actually seeing an increase in drivers under the influence of marijuana,” Spokane Valley Police Chief Rick VanLeuven said. He said that it’s been a busy year for his officers in the Spokane Valley. Only eight ... Read More »
Dad acquitted in slaying of DUI driver who killed sons
ANGLETON, Texas (AP) – A jury on Wednesday acquitted a southeast Texas man of murder in the fatal shooting of a drunken driver who had just caused an accident that killed the man’s two sons. David Barajas cried after the verdict was read and he hugged his wife, Cindy, who was also crying. He could have been sentenced to up to life in prison, if he had been convicted. Read More »
New law requires warrant for DUI blood test
TRI-CITIES, Wash. — Police can’t just take your blood if you get pulled over, suspected of driving high on marijuana. A new law requires a warrant. Troopers say the extra time spent getting warrants means less time keeping you safe on the road. Read More »
Uber CEO Pounces on DUI Arrest of California Lawmaker
Uber Chief Executive Travis Kalanick seized on the opportunity Monday to flag what he saw as a bit of ironic news: A California state senator was arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol, hours after voting for legislation that would further regulate ride-sharing services such as Uber. Read More »
Le’Veon Bell didn’t know he could get a DUI while high
Steelers running backs Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount were popped for possession of marijuana Wednesday afternoon by the Ross Township Police just hours before a team flight to Philadelphia, though both still played in Thursday’s preseason game against theEagles. Bell is going to face DUI charges after getting behind the wheel of the car while high, something he didn’t know could happen according to the criminal complaint obtained by WPXI. Read More »
DUI counselor closes business amid investigation
An alcohol abuse counselor, accused of falsifying court documents so drunken drivers could get their licenses reinstated early, agreed Wednesday to close his Fairdale business. Richard Shelton, owner of Shelton Counseling, told the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services that he would no longer appeal the revocation of his DUI program certification. Read More »
Ryan Malone pleads no contest to DUI, agrees to diversion program
Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone appeared in a Tampa court Tuesday in to address DUI and drug charges stemming from an April arrest. Malone pleaded no contest to the DUI charge and agreed to a pretrial diversion program on a drug charge in the hearing according to the Tampa Bay Times. Read More »
Chris Kattan Avoids Jail Time in DUI Crash Sentencing
Six months after Chris Kattan was arrested on suspicion of a DUI, the former Saturday Night Live funnyman received his sentence. The 43-year-old comedian is required to pay a $500 fine, attend a three-month alcohol program, 104 Narcotics Anonymous classes, and will be on probation for the next three years, CBS Los Angeles confirmed. Additionally, he’s forbidden from driving with any drugs in his system, unless he has a valid prescription, and has to participate in the Hospital and Morgue Program, where the idea is to ... Read More »
Auburn man suspected of DUI dies in holding cell
OPELIKA — Authorities in Lee County say an Auburn man who was arrested for a suspected DUI died in a cell hours after being taken to the Lee County jail. Officials say 23-year-old James Hubbard was arrested Friday and was put in a holding cell for observation that evening. Sheriff Jay Jones tells the Opelika-Auburn News that corrections staff said Hubbard didn’t show any signs of severe medical issues when he was brought in. Corrections staff later found the man ... Read More »