The issue of distracted driving has been gaining a lot of attention recently. Despite increased awareness, however, numerous drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. This has prompted actions by lawmakers and federal officials.
Distracted Driving: Widespread Problem in Tennessee and Nationwide
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of Woman Falsely Arrested for DUI
Last week, a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals overturned a district court decision granting an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper immunity for his actions pertaining to a DUI arrest. The actions of the trooper resulted in a woman, with no drugs or alcohol in her system, being falsely arrested and imprisoned for DUI. The woman is now allowed to move forward with her lawsuit against the trooper.
Determining Blood Alcohol Content: There Is No App for That
These days there is a phone app for just about everything. This includes some that supposedly determine if you have consumed too much alcohol to legally drive. A Connecticut woman was recently arrested for driving under the influence, despite her iPhone breathalyzer app showing she was safe to drive.
The Costs of DUI Enforcement in Tennessee
Tennessee utilizes a variety of resources in the state's DUI enforcement campaigns. These include running DUI checkpoints and ad campaigns, using additional law enforcement personnel and DUI prosecutors, and using technologies like breath machines. The costs of equipment, employee overtime and other expenses can become quite significant. For instance, the statewide checkpoints on May 31st cost Tennessee taxpayers about $200,000.
Tennessee DUI Checkpoints Being Used for Research
Yesterday, Tennessee law enforcement held police checkpoints across the state. The DUI checkpoints were not targeted at enforcement, but were mainly being used for research. The Tennessee Department of Safety wanted to see if its awareness campaign, aimed at reducing motor vehicle accidents, has had any impact on the state's drivers.
