driving under influence of

D.W.I.

New YorkS Stop-Dwi: The Platinum Model Of Deterrence NEW YORKS STOP-DWI: THE PLATINUM MODEL OF DETERRENCE New York States Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated (STOP-DWI) was thefirst fine-supported local options program in the country.The legislation was enacted to empower localgovernments to develop financially self-sustaining programs that would decrease alcohol and other drugrelated traffic crashes.Operational since 1981, the program has resulted in a dramatic decrease in thenumber of alcohol related crashes, deaths, and injures.At 0.32 alcohol-related fatalities per 100M VMT,New York has the lowest rate in the country. The success of this comprehensive program is based on enacting effective legislation, establishingself-sustaining local programs, developing a strong Statewide association, and committing to communitypartnerships.It is the combination of these components that has made STOP-DWI the best in, and a model for,the Nation. Effective Legislation Legislation enacted in 1981 provided the foundation for the STOP-DWI deterrence model.Lawswere put into place that provided for enforceable minimum mandatory fines, a guaranteed loss ofcertain driving privileges, and the possibility of jail time.Plea bargaining from an alcohol-relatedoffense to another traffic offense was prohibited and by 1983, DWI and DWAI (Driving While AbilityImpaired) convictions had increased by 43 percent.Certainly, this legislation has impacted and changedpublic attitudes about drinking and driving. Establishment of a self-sustaining program in every county Legislation also gave municipalities the ability to receive money from alcohol related finesif they agreed to combat drunk driving by any combination of increased enforcement, prosecution,adjudication, education, rehabilitation and public information, as determined by each county; andappoint a STOP-DWI coordinator to develop local programs and coordinate efforts by the myriad agenciesinvolved in alcohol and highway safety.During the first year following passage of legislation everycounty in the state took advantage of the local options opportunity, thus putting in place aninfrastructure for a coordinated and comprehensive statewide alcohol program. The local options component combined with self-sufficiency have been primary factorscontributingto the programs success.The broad discretion afforded to coordinators in coordinators in programimplementation and resource allocation allows them to adjust strategies to meet the changingneeds of their community.(See appendix A) This latitude has encouraged the development of a numberinnovative programs. Innovation One example of local innovation is the Broome County STOP-DWI program which has become a household nameaffiliated with a "healthy lifestyle."Its major innovations were leveraging media dollars and sponsoringcommunity events that promote fun alternatives to drinking. Broome Countys program operates on the premise that paid media is an important component of anyhighway safety program.By purchasing media, the program reaches its target audience and also thennegotiates for additional, free airtime.In 2002, a $22,400 purchase of radio spots coupled with thesame amount of donated airtime resulted in the countys traffic safety message reaching 80 percent ofits target audience (age 12+) 30 times each month for a seven-month period.The return on TV time issomewhat less, but still impressive.A $12,000 purchase resulted in an average of four ads placed oncable TV every single day of the year, during major sports events and on syndicated programs such asFriends and Seinfeld. The development of community events that promote fun and a healthy lifestyle is also key to theoverall program.Three major events are held yearly with a fourth to be added next year.Theseprograms generate an average of $500,000 in corporate contributions which are used to fund event costs.Any remaining balance is placed into a restricted account for next years events. Includedare the Danielle 5K Run in May, the Thater Memorial (dedicated to a young woman who received a braininjury in an alcohol-related crash) in August, and the Holiday Basketball Classic in December.To be added next year is a girls softball tournament.Each event not only provides healthyactivities for youth, but also provides a venue for promoting safety messagesand a great deal of donated publicity for the program. A key component of county programs is recidivist strategies.Many county district attorneys have nowestablished strong prosecution policies relating to impaired drivers.In other areas, judges employignition interlock systems to monitor offenders.And approximately 60 percent of all counties use victimimpact panels, which have proven particularly effective in preventing recidivism if used with first timeoffenders. Another local option which has been effective with recidivists is the Suffolk County DWI AlternativeProject.Initiated in 1986, this program provides a cost-effective alternative sentencing option for thejail bound multiple DWI offender.If sentenced under this option, offenders are placed in a jail-likefacility consisting entirely of DWI offenders, and are provided with both correction and treatment servicesfor the duration of the mandated confinement time.Oversight of the facility is provided by the countyssheriffs department and long-term aftercare and supervision is provided by probations Alcohol TreatmentUnit.Since the onset of this program, the recidivism rate for Suffolk County has remained between 12 15 percent. Establishment of a strong state association Local STOP-DWI coordinators formed a state association comprised of representatives from each county andthe City of New York.Collectively, the STOP-DWI Coordinators Association facilitates the exchange of ideasand administration of new and innovative approaches.In addition to the executive and steering committees,there are committees assigned to initiatives focused on administration, legislation, enforcement &adjudication, public information & education, rehabilitation, victims services and training. Long term community partnerships Over the 20 years of the programs existence, solid partnerships have been developed with health andtraffic safety professionals, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Remove Intoxicated Drivers (RID),educators, youth groups such as Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), media, corporations, andgovernment agencies.These partnerships provide venues for additional funding, educational opportunities,and extra media support. A critical component of every county plan and key to success, is the involvement with enforcement.STOP-DWI coordinators work closely with police agencies to implement comprehensivecommunity programs.Increased fine monies pay for saturation patrols, checkpoints, educational materials,school and community programs, officer training and equipment.Funding also helps support enforcementefforts such as the annual statewide Safe and Sober alcohol mobilizations and weekly checkpointsin New York City.Approximately 40 percent of STOP-DWI funds goes to enforcement efforts each year. Results The local option approach has proven to be very effective.It has not only reduced alcohol relatedfatalities, injuries, and crashes, but also has fostered innovation and promoted cooperation betweenlocalities. The numbers dont lie.According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, between 1981and 2000 annual alcohol-related crashes fell 39 percent, from 16,607 to 10,167; fatalities were reducedby 70 percent, from 1,107 to 334; and alcohol-related injuries by 57 percent, from 21,633 to 9,251. CONTACTS: Denise Cashmere, Chair NYS STOP-DWI Coordinators Association Schenectady County STOP_DWI 107 Nott Terrace, Suite #303 Schenectady, N.Y. 12308 518-386-2225 Sami Richie, Regional Program Manager NHTSA Region II 222 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite #204 White Plains, N.Y. 10605 914-682-6162 sami.richie@nhtsa.dot.gov APPENDIX A Local coordinators choose among various options within each discipline to design andfund a program that best fits local needs.Examples include: Enforcement sobriety checkpoints officer training dedicated patrols equipment Prosecution training and support Probation courts training and support electronic monitoring devices Treatment and rehabilitation training and support diversion programs treatment education programs Public information and education victim impact panels victim assistance programs media campaigns prevention and leadership programs student organizations school assembly programs substance-free after prom parties speakers bureau server training educational materials Administration and evaluation legislative initiatives research papers newsletters

CNN - Ohio town cracks down on driving under influence of phone - August 25, 1999 MAIN PAGE WORLD ASIANOW U.S. LOCAL POLITICS WEATHER BUSINESS SPORTS TECHNOLOGY NATURE ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS TRAVEL FOOD HEALTH STYLE IN-DEPTH Headline News brief daily almanac CNN networks CNN programs on-air transcripts news quiz CNN WEB SITES: TIME INC. SITES: Go To ... Time.com People Money Fortune EW MORE SERVICES: video on demand video archive audio on demand news email services free email accounts desktop headlines pointcast pagenet DISCUSSION: message boards chat feedback SITE GUIDES: help contents search FASTER ACCESS: europe japan WEB SERVICES: Ohio town cracks down on driving under influence of phone New signs have popped up along Brooklyn's roadways VIDEO CNN's Ed Garsten looks at the new law and gets reaction from both sides Windows Media 28K 80K QUICK VOTE Should drivers who use cell phones while behind the wheel be punished? Yes - they're endangering other motorists Yes - but only if they cause an accident No - they have the right to use them View Results August 25, 1999 Web posted at: 6:22 p.m. EDT (2222 GMT) From Correspondent Ed Garsten BROOKLYN, Ohio (CNN) -- In the habit of chatting on your cell phone while driving down the street? Then steer clear of Brooklyn, Ohio. Unless you can talk on your cell phone without using your hands, your conversation is illegal. While police are giving out warning tickets now, they plan to issue real tickets, carrying a fine of up to $100, starting September 1. "If you're on the road and there's an emergency, use your cell phone. But if you're on the road, gift-of-gabbing, pull onto the side of the road," says Mayor John Coyne , who proposed the law to promote safety. "If you have a mobile unit where you can keep ... both hands on the wheel, fine." Not everyone is amused. Paul Jeris was recently pulled over for talking while driving. "We use the phone constantly for business ... if we're late for meetings, every aspect," Jeris said. "I disagree with it." Coyne says the law will save lives, and a pair of studies tend to support that position. An investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that using a cell phone while driving does increase the chance of getting into an accident. And a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that motorists quadruple their chances of having a wreck if they use their cell phones while behind the wheel. One cell phone service provider agrees that drivers should pay more attention to the road but disagrees with the research. "I think if you consider there were 200,000 people with cell phones in 1984 and there are 69 million now, if there was a direct correlation to safety and cell phone use, there would be a 10 times -- or whatever that factor is -- (increase) of car accidents," says Tom Minardo of Airtouch Cellular. RELATED STORIES: NEC to bring video to your cell phone August 3, 1999 New service for mobile phones provides business, entertainment, and travel information July 8, 1999 RELATED SITES: Welcome To AirTouch Communications National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Note: Pages will open in a new browser window External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive. LATEST HEADLINES: SEARCH CNN.com Enter keyword(s) go help Back to the top © 2001 Cable News Network. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .

DWAI? Are you in

Lori Crystal: Colorado Criminal Attorney, DUI Defense, DWAI, DWI, Revoked Drivers License You only have 7 days Did you receive a DUI or DWAI? Are you in the state of Colorado? CALL US IMMEDIATELY - Drivers' license issues have strict and severe time limitations. In refusal cases or breath test cases where the blood alcohol level is 0.08 or above, the hearing must be requested no later than seven days after the offense. THIS DOES NOT MEAN 7 BUSINESS DAYS. IT MEANS 7 DAYS TOTAL . Two of those days may be weekends when the motor vehicle office is closed. Don't wait until the last minute. (303) 660-9056 Attorney Profile Lori Crystal Attorney At Law I am a returned Colorado native who grew up just north of 8 Mile. Since 1981, I have permanently resided in Colorado. I graduated with high distinction in economics from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 1986 and received my law degree from the University of Denver in 1990. I established my Castle Rock practice in 1994 and have built a very successful practice based on the principal that every client is an individual, with individual needs, who deserves individual attention. My practices focuses on criminal and family law matters, with an emphasis on alcohol and drug related issues. I have been a member of the National College for DUI Defense since 2001 and have regularly participated in National DUI defense conferences. In June of 2003, I became a Certified Intoxilyzer Technician. My staff includes a full time paralegal and legal secretary, who provide prompt and courteous service. An important factor in our success! Developed by LawInfo.com ™ © 2004

DWI), the average person

New York - STOP-DWI: A Model of Excellence NEW YORK STOP-DWI: A Model of Excellence PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS Innovative PROGRAM AREA(S) Alcohol and Other Drugs TYPE OF JURISDICTION State TARGETED POPULATION All Drivers JURISDICTION SIZE 17,990,455 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Alcohol related fatalities and injuries is a chronic problem that will affect one in three Americans in their lifetime. Nationwide, nearly 42,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes each year with 16,653 (40 percent) being alcohol related. This means that one person is killed every 33 minutes and one person is injured every two minutes from alcohol related crashes. Prior to establishment of the New York State Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated (STOP-DWI), the average person arrested for driving while intoxicated had a blood alcohol concentration level of .19, almost twice the legal limit. Yet their chances of being arrested were estimated to be one in two thousand. Most drunk drivers had their charges reduced to non-alcohol related charges, the average fine was $11; all while alcohol related fatalities were at a high 44.14 percent. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES New York States STOP-DWI Program was developed in 1980 in an effort to decrease alcohol related fatalities and injuries in the state. The objective was to ensure that legislation would be passed to lay the foundation for the development of effective, self-funding, local programs. STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES In 1981, the New York State Legislature passed laws that set into motion a series of reforms that would permanently transform the way the drinking driver is viewed and would establish a national model for excellence. The resulting framework for this model had four strategies: Establishing comprehensive, self-sustaining local programs This legislation allowed each county to establish a STOP-DWI program, develop a comprehensive plan and appoint a STOP-DWI coordinator. In turn, counties received all fines collected for alcohol and other drug-related traffic offenses within their jurisdictions. Counties were given a large degree of latitude to develop programs that meet their specific local needs. Mandatory minimum fines The new law mandated that judges impose substantial minimum fines. It increased penalties from a maximum of $50 for the first time conviction for Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) to a minimum mandatory fine of $250. A conviction for DWI was raised to a minimum fine of $300 and a maximum fine of $500. Mandatory and immediate license loss for chemical test refusals Individuals would now be subject to an administrative hearing for license revocation and a $100 civil fine if they refused to submit to a lawfully requested chemical test to determine blood alcohol content. The fine has since been raised to $300. Restrictions on plea bargaining restrictions With this change, individuals charged with driving while intoxicated would not be allowed to plead guilty to a non-alcohol related offense except under very narrow evidentiary circumstances. RESULTS The local option approach for DWI enforcement has proven to be very effective. It has not only dramatically reduced alcohol related fatalities and injuries, but has also allowed counties to be extremely creative in developing programs and fostering cooperation between localities. All counties in New York State have a STOP-DWI Program. The successes of the programs are notable: Alcohol related crashes decreased from 16,607 (1981) to 10,167 (2000). Alcohol related fatalities decreased from 1,107 (1981) to 334 (2000). Alcohol related injuries decreased from 21,633 (1981) to 9,251 (2000). The percent of alcohol related crash fatalities decreased from 44.1 percent (1981) to 23.13 percent (2000). State collected fines went from less than $500,000 annually to an average of $22 million annually. Not a penny of taxpayers money has been spent since the inception of the program. Fine money, which currently averages $22M per year is retained by the counties to operate the program. FUNDING Zero (see Results section) CONTACT Denise Cashmere, Chair NYS STOP-DWI Coordinator's Assn. Schenectady Co. STOP-DWI 107 Nott Ter., Ste. 303 Schenectady, NY 12308 (518) 386-2225 SPRING 2002

DUII. Their efforts contributed

CVU Members Speak On DUII At Pioneer Pacific College CVU Members Speak On DUII At Pioneer Pacific College CRIME VICTIMS UNITED On February 1, 2004, CVU and MADD members Marie Armstrong and Anne Pratt spoke to a criminal justice class at Pioneer Pacific College in Springfield, Oregon. The topic was Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and its impact. Marie Armstrong's son Chance was killed by a drunk driver in 1996. Chance's girlfriend survived with a brain stem injury. The driver was sentenced to 90 days in jail for criminally negligent homicide. Released from jail, he drove with a revoked license, continued to drink and drive and violated other terms of his release including being a felon in possession of a firearm. Anne Pratt's son, Brian Hood, was killed by a drunk driver in 1998. Her experience with the criminal justice system led her and her husband Bruce to work for changes to Oregon's laws on DUII. Their efforts contributed to several bills passed by the legislature, most notably Brian's Bill , which increased penalties for criminally negligent homicide. Marie and Anne spoke about the impact of drunk drivers on their lives and the lives of other Oregonians, and their experiences with the criminal justice system. Pioneer Pacific student Jami Clark, who arranged for Marie and Anne to present to instructor Shan Weggland's class, wrote a note of thanks: February 3, 2004 Dear Anne and Marie: Thank you for making time to attend my class and be our guest speakers. I know that your presence has done two things: help you to speak about your pain and educate others so they too are not victims. It was very admirable for you to share such a painful experience with a room full of strangers. The power point was very informative and provided information that was not common knowledge. The pictures of your sons also made the situation a reality and not just a name in the obituary. The pictures helped to place a face with a name. In addition, seeing the copies of the Bills that were passed also helped us with the larger picture. I am in awe of your courage and your strength to continue to move forward and fight for stricter punishments and your hopefulness in the prevention you stand behind. I certainly agree that this knowledge needs to be shared with all counties of Oregon and perhaps nation wide. Knowledge is power and a lot of people do not have the knowledge. Keep your heads held up high and your passion growing, for this will be a tough road to travel. I would like for you to remember the following when things become tougher than normal. "A single drop of water begins a waterfall, and look what comes from that." ~Power of One~ You may be a single drop of water now; however, soon other drops will follow. Please keep me in mind when letters need to be written so we may pass more Bills. Sincerely Yours, Jami M. Clark See Also: CVUJoins with Legislators and Advocates to Combat DUII Marie Armstrong's Testimony on Senate Bill 421 Senate Bill 421 Is Signed Into Law Home | Top | Search