DUI driver caught on tape laughing about dead victim

[FSTargetDrone]

However, here's an article from 2006 that I just found on the idea of installing such devices in every automobile:

Will all autos some day have breathalyzers?

Updated 4/28/2006 12:06 PM ET

By Jayne O'Donnell, USA TODAY

Could the day be coming when every driver is checked for drinking before starting a car?

Widespread use of ignition interlock devices that won't allow a car to be started if a driver has had too much alcohol, once considered radical, no longer seems out of the question. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) gives a qualified endorsement to the idea. New York state legislators are considering requiring the devices on all cars and trucks by 2009. And automakers, already close to offering the devices as optional equipment on all Volvo and Saab models in Sweden, are considering whether to bring the technology here.

Manufacturers are perfecting technology that could detect alcohol on the skin surface, eliminating the need for the current, cumbersome, blow-into-a-tube breath-analyzing systems. Current breathalyzers cost about $1,000. The newer systems are expected to cost about the same.

The New York bill was introduced by Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, who also sponsored the bill that became the first law banning the use of handheld cellphones while driving. To those who say neither the public nor the technology is ready for such a universal application, Ortiz says he heard similar complaints about the cellphone ban and hands-free technology. He compares the criticism to early complaints about mandatory safety belts.

But Ortiz's bill faces a tough fight. The idea of forcing every driver to pass a blood alcohol test to start a car raises privacy concerns, irritates non-drinkers and has some restaurant industry officials worrying about a march back to Prohibition, or at least the demonizing of social drinking.

MADD and others trying to reduce the 17,000 alcohol-related fatalities a year say ignition interlocks are the only sure way to separate potential drunken drivers from their "weapons."

"If the public wants it and the data support it, it is literally possible that the epidemic of drunk driving could be solved where cars simply could not be operated by drunk drivers," says Chuck Hurley, CEO of MADD, which is hosting its first conference on drunken-driving technology in June.

"What a great day that would be."

MADD doesn't currently support requiring the devices on all cars because it doesn't think the technology is ready. For now, the organization prefers requiring the devices, called ignition interlocks, for anyone convicted of a first drunken-driving offense.

About 70,000 ignition interlocks are on vehicles — most of them ordered by courts for repeat drunken-driving offenders.

Even without universal use, there's a huge potential market in the 1.4 million people who are arrested for drunken driving each year. Legislation is pending in at least 12 states that would require interlocks for some or all first-time offenders.

(snippage)

State Farm Insurance spokesman Dick Luedke says interlock discounts wouldn't make much sense because "for the majority of our customers, installing one of these things would have absolutely no impact. For the person who does have the problem and does install (the device), if it does inhibit him from driving impaired, that's worth way more than a lower insurance rate."

Barry Sweedler, a former National Transportation Safety Board official, is trying to persuade automakers to put the wiring for ignition interlocks in all cars to make it easier to install the devices. And once interlocks can automatically check alcohol levels without any action from drivers, Sweedler thinks they should be standard equipment on cars.

Current technology requires a driver to blow heavily into a breathalyzer device before starting the car and regularly while driving. With that system, "Unless a person is an offender, to require it for everyone is too intrusive," says Sweedler, past president of an anti-impaired-driving group that has sponsored ignition interlock conferences for the past six years.

George Ballance, director of sales and marketing for device maker DraegerSafety, says his company advocates interlocks as part of teen driving laws and insurance company discounts.

"We want to get on the preventive side of the cycle and not just be on the court-ordered side," he says.

Draeger encourages its employees to carry pocket breath analyzers and would fire any worker convicted of drunken driving.

"We're not here to say, 'Don't drink.' We're here to say 'Don't drink and drive,' " Ballance says.

Opposition to breathalyzers

Such talk makes John Doyle, executive director of the American Beverage Institute, cringe. "This campaign is a lot further down the pike than people realize," says Doyle, whose group is funded by chains including Outback Steakhouse and Chili's and is leading the opposition to broader use of interlocks.

He says the existing devices are costly and easy to defeat, by getting someone else to blow into them or using an air compressor instead of a driver's own breath. Besides, he says most drunken-driving deaths are caused by hard-core offenders who have slipped through the system.

"How far are you going to go to reduce alcohol-related fatalities?" Doyle asks. "Maybe they should make driving at night illegal."

Opposition comes from other sources, too. Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island ACLU, says his group opposes laws that require judges to mandate interlocks for convicted drunken drivers. Rhode Island's Legislature is considering a bill that would require interlocks for second-time offenders and first-time offenders with a blood-alcohol level above 0.15, which correlates to drinking seven drinks in an hour for a 170-pound male.

"Our concern about mandatory penalties is that they don't allow courts to take all situations into account, including that the cost is quite significant and the effect it has on family members," Brown says. "Some individuals can't afford it."

While automakers are working on interlock technology, they are cautious. General Motors safety chief Bob Lange says his company has been working on ways to integrate alcohol-detection devices into cars for 30 years, but still doesn't think any are close to ready for widespread use in this country.

"If the technology incorrectly restricts ... sober individuals, it is unlikely to be supported," says Lange, who says systems must be "transparent" to non-drinkers. "Public acceptance and technological viability are essential."

Sue Cischke, Ford Motor's safety chief, agrees obstacles remain. "Some of the challenges include designing a system that is most of all accurate, not easily disabled or avoided, is easy to use and does not create driver-distraction issues."

Swedish brands Volvo, owned by Ford, and Saab, owned by GM, are at the forefront of auto industry efforts to incorporate interlocks into cars. Swedish regulators are expected to soon propose a deadline of 2012 for all cars in that country to have alcohol interlocks.

Volvo's Alcolock — which is built into the seat belt buckle — will likely be available as an option on cars in Sweden within three years. Saab's Alcokey has the technology built into the key.

For automakers, anything that keeps a car from starting sounds too much like the public relations nightmare that came out of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 1973 decision to require devices that would prevent cars from starting if seat belts weren't buckled. After a huge public outcry and widespread disconnections, Congress passed a law the following year prohibiting NHTSA from requiring seat belt interlocks or warning buzzers lasting more than eight seconds.

Some critics say alcohol-related interlocks would be even more problematic than seat belt interlocks because about 40% of adults say they don't drink at all. MADD's Hurley says most people don't steal or have their cars stolen, but keys still have built-in anti-theft technology.

Ortiz agrees: "This is a tool that will save lives. We have to stop putting parameters on it."

Ortiz disputes claims that the technology is not ready, but even interlock makers don't think their systems should be offered on all cars — yet. Albuquerque-based TruTouch Technologies, which makes a device that detects alcohol using light rays through the surface of the skin, will introduce a version for use in police stations next year to replace breathalyzers. CEO Jim McNally says he is talking to automakers about offering his system as an option, but not until at least 2010.

New Mexico, which has the toughest interlock law in the country, isn't ready to go as far as Ortiz is proposing. Last year, New Mexico passed the first law requiring interlocks for first-time drunken-driving offenders after earlier debating — and rejecting — mandatory installation in all vehicles.

Wary of 'annoying' car buyers

Volvo technical safety adviser Thomas Brobergsays he isn't sure mandating interlock technology is the way to go: "It might not be good to force these kinds of systems onto customers. There are quite a few things that can be quite annoying to the customer."

Jim Champagne, a former Louisiana state police lieutenant colonel who spent decades responding to drunken-driving crashes and now chairs the Governors Highway Safety Association, is guardedly optimistic about the prospects for interlocks.

Champagne says he would "love to see" optional interlock devices offered.

"It would give an opportunity for parents and guardians to get more involved," he says. But as standard equipment on all cars? "To tell the American public this is going to be on your car? No way."

Posted 4/25/2006 12:11 AM ET

[Broomstick]

That's what the fucking task masters used to call us when they strapped dynamite onto us and sent us into tunnels for blasting purposes when they were making the national railroad. There's an old saying among the rednecks: "for every 10 feet of track, there's a dead Chinaman." So I don't fucking like it if some asshole addresses me as "chinaman", and I'll let him know it.

I suspected those may have been "complicated historical reasons" Broomstick mentioned. Though for the record, I would only have used to refer to a Chinese national (ie, not you). I didn't know it was offensive.

I suspected as much, Adrian, which is why I brought the matter up rather than jumping on you.

I'm am distressed, though not surprised, to learn that apparently the Canadians treated the Chinese no better than the US did. Mike distilled the essence of the matter, although, sad to say, the list of offenses against the Chinese by Caucasians in North America is a long one.

[Aaron]

I suspected as much, Adrian, which is why I brought the matter up rather than jumping on you.

I'm am distressed, though not surprised, to learn that apparently the Canadians treated the Chinese no better than the US did. Mike distilled the essence of the matter, although, sad to say, the list of offenses against the Chinese by Caucasians in North America is a long one.

Canada really didn't start becoming what we're familiar with until the 1960's. Before that, especially pre-WWII it was a fairly conservative country. We also had Japanese internment camps (in BC only I believe) and abused Chinese labour to build the Trans-Canada Railroad. I'm not sure how old Mike's parents are or when they immigrated to Canada but anyone in Canada during that era can tell you how similar it was to the US. My parents even talk about our own little "Red Scare", and my Grandmother (a Dutch warbride) talks about how racist everyone was at the time.

[MKSheppard]

That's what the fucking task masters used to call us when they strapped dynamite onto us and sent us into tunnels for blasting purposes when they were making the national railroad.

Down here it's a dead irishman every ten feet; since you know, slaves are too expensive to waste in blasting.

[Lagmonster]

That's what the fucking task masters used to call us when they strapped dynamite onto us and sent us into tunnels for blasting purposes when they were making the national railroad.

Down here it's a dead irishman every ten feet; since you know, slaves are too expensive to waste in blasting.

Both of these are things I'm horrifically familiar with; there is a litany of ghost stories accompanying the Irish miners and the Chinese railroad workers, owing in no small part to the fact that people sent so many of them to grisly deaths. I could tell you stories where, even if the part about mournful or vengeful ghosts aren't true, the manner in which the unfortunate victims are abused and killed sometimes is, and it's rather appalling.

The Irish actually had it coming and going, in some instances getting caught between death in the mines and execution by mercenaries as a suspected terrorist (see: Molly Maguires) if they refused to perform suicidal work.

[Spin Echo]

That's what the fucking task masters used to call us when they strapped dynamite onto us and sent us into tunnels for blasting purposes when they were making the national railroad.

Down here it's a dead irishman every ten feet; since you know, slaves are too expensive to waste in blasting.

Even after the slaves were freed, the Irish were still worth less round the turn on the 20th century. I remember some reading from a social studies class that pretty much said: " If it's too good for a servant (implied white, I assume) give it to a nigger. If it's too good for a nigger, give it to an irishman." You can just feel the love.

Since we're on the topic of inappropriate racial terms, why exactly is the term 'oriental' offensive? I tried explaining to a couple of Germans in the US once that you just don't use that term because it's offensive. They asked why the term is considered derogatory. The only explanation I've ever heard is that it's a term used for objects (oriental rugs, etc), and I'm not sure I buy that one.

[Thunderfire]

In 2006, an estimated 17,602 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes—an average of one every 30 minutes. These deaths constitute 41 percent of the 42,642 total traffic fatalities. Of these, an estimated 13,470 involved a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater).

Those numbers are very high about 5 times as many % wise compared to germany. Speeding and overtaking are the clear number 1 killers here.

[Admiral Valdemar]

Even after the slaves were freed, the Irish were still worth less round the turn on the 20th century. I remember some reading from a social studies class that pretty much said: " If it's too good for a servant (implied white, I assume) give it to a nigger. If it's too good for a nigger, give it to an irishman." You can just feel the love.

Since we're on the topic of inappropriate racial terms, why exactly is the term 'oriental' offensive? I tried explaining to a couple of Germans in the US once that you just don't use that term because it's offensive. They asked why the term is considered derogatory. The only explanation I've ever heard is that it's a term used for objects (oriental rugs, etc), and I'm not sure I buy that one.

Having dated a couple of Anglo-Chinese girls in my time, I don't recall either finding fault with "oriental", though I do remember "Asian" being iffy because, in some circles, that refers to the Indian subcontinent peoples, not those of China and the Far East. Cultures love to avoid highlighting where they've done wrong in the past, some more than others as Japan shows or southern US states. I think that's why liberals are despised a lot by the die-hard conservatives too, because they don't like being reminded how what was tolerable to them at one time is now not a good thing to do.

Humans just suck that way. Even some conservatives today would be somewhat shocked by the most liberal minds of the past, like Lincoln and T.H. Huxley, finding "negroes" lesser men. It's not unlike how Republicans today find a few thousand casualties in war a major crime as in Iraq, whereas in WWI and II, those same people would be spat out as bleeding heart lib-uh-ruls.

And the changing Zeitgeist has also, as Mike mentioned, led to the changes in the way we view drink driving. We've wizened up to the stupidity of such practices.

[Broomstick]

Even after the slaves were freed, the Irish were still worth less round the turn on the 20th century. I remember some reading from a social studies class that pretty much said: " If it's too good for a servant (implied white, I assume) give it to a nigger. If it's too good for a nigger, give it to an irishman." You can just feel the love.

Since we're on the topic of inappropriate racial terms, why exactly is the term 'oriental' offensive? I tried explaining to a couple of Germans in the US once that you just don't use that term because it's offensive. They asked why the term is considered derogatory. The only explanation I've ever heard is that it's a term used for objects (oriental rugs, etc), and I'm not sure I buy that one.

Having dated a couple of Anglo-Chinese girls in my time, I don't recall either finding fault with "oriental", though I do remember "Asian" being iffy because, in some circles, that refers to the Indian subcontinent peoples, not those of China and the Far East.

If I recall correctly, this is the opposite of what used to be usage in the US - "Asian" is China-Tibet-Korea-Japan-rest-of-southeast-Asia and "Oriental" would have included not only that but also the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.

[Terralthra]

BTW, from the sounds of things, DUIs arent penalized harshily or something? WHy?

Because as recently as 30 years ago, drunk driving was considered such a hilariously funny thing to do that Burt Reynolds was actually viewed onscreen drinking a beer while sitting behind the wheel and speeding, and he was supposed to be the hero of the film (the film was called Cannonball Run). In fact, drinking and driving was the dominant element in the "humour" of that worthless piece of shit movie, which made a shitload of money when it came out. There was also a Twilight Zone episode when a drunk driver killed somebody, and he was made out to be the victim because the dead person's family was so unreasonably vindictive. Because, you know, when some drunk kills your son, you're supposed to laugh and forgive him because everybody has a drink and gets in the car now and then. If you don't, you're a vindictive prick according to 1960s values.

Modern attitudes toward drinking and driving are a lot different from the values that the older generation grew up with. And guess which generation dominates the judiciary.

I nearly got fired for my first job bartending because I would cut someone off at 2 drinks if they wouldn't tell me how they were getting home (ie, they were driving, but didn't want to tell me that because I'd stop them at one drink). The manager told me that cutting off people was bad for business. I told him that since I'd be the one facing criminal liability if someone I was slinging drinks to mowed down a pedestrian, the bar's profit margin could fucking well deal with it. Since he couldn't fire me for protecting myself legally, they just cut my hours and put me on split shifts. I don't work there anymore.

[Havok]

Even after the slaves were freed, the Irish were still worth less round the turn on the 20th century. I remember some reading from a social studies class that pretty much said: " If it's too good for a servant (implied white, I assume) give it to a nigger. If it's too good for a nigger, give it to an irishman." You can just feel the love.

Since we're on the topic of inappropriate racial terms, why exactly is the term 'oriental' offensive? I tried explaining to a couple of Germans in the US once that you just don't use that term because it's offensive. They asked why the term is considered derogatory. The only explanation I've ever heard is that it's a term used for objects (oriental rugs, etc), and I'm not sure I buy that one.

Having dated a couple of Anglo-Chinese girls in my time, I don't recall either finding fault with "oriental", though I do remember "Asian" being iffy because, in some circles, that refers to the Indian subcontinent peoples, not those of China and the Far East.

If I recall correctly, this is the opposite of what used to be usage in the US - "Asian" is China-Tibet-Korea-Japan-rest-of-southeast-Asia and "Oriental" would have included not only that but also the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.

Are you sure? I was under the same impression as Spin Echo, that Oriental denoted objects from the Orient, and to refer to a Chinese, Japanese etc. person as Oriental was like saying they were just objects.

Personally, I don't connect India and Asia in my mind when I am talking about the people from India, and if I did use the term Asian, I would be referring to someone form China, Japan, Korea etc.

I just asked a few people at work this question, (granted it's a bike shop) but there seems to be consensus. Asia is thought of as China, Japan, Korea etc and India is thought of on it's own.

[Illuminatus Primus]

Orient means "East" in Latin. Its a supremely Eurocentric worldview; the Near East was the Balkans and Anatolia, the Middle East is obvious, and the Far East was India and beyond. Oriental despots in classical political discourse included the shāhanshāhs of Persia.

[Broomstick]

Having dated a couple of Anglo-Chinese girls in my time, I don't recall either finding fault with "oriental", though I do remember "Asian" being iffy because, in some circles, that refers to the Indian subcontinent peoples, not those of China and the Far East.

If I recall correctly, this is the opposite of what used to be usage in the US - "Asian" is China-Tibet-Korea-Japan-rest-of-southeast-Asia and "Oriental" would have included not only that but also the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.

Are you sure? I was under the same impression as Spin Echo, that Oriental denoted objects from the Orient, and to refer to a Chinese, Japanese etc. person as Oriental was like saying they were just objects.

Personally, I don't connect India and Asia in my mind when I am talking about the people from India, and if I did use the term Asian, I would be referring to someone form China, Japan, Korea etc.

I just asked a few people at work this question, (granted it's a bike shop) but there seems to be consensus. Asia is thought of as China, Japan, Korea etc and India is thought of on it's own.

As I said - it used to be a usage in the United States. I haven't heard it used in that manner for probably a quarter century. I have also seen textbooks from the first quarter of the 20th Century that DO use it in that sense. Between "oriental" being a less than specific for a person for many needs, and the narrowing of the meaning to an adjective used primarily for objects, I can see where this has grown to be an offensive use of the word. There may well be some other historical and social issues involved that I, as a mostly Euro-descended person, may be unaware of.

[brianeyci]

I don't know about most people but even without the history (which I knew) I would not walk around calling asian people Chinaman the same reason why I wouldn't walk around calling blacks African-American.

If they're here, they're American, not Africans. I understand the intent is because skin color is taboo and they're trying to find a politically correct way to express differences, but in almost all cases there's no need to express the difference at all. Might as well call them black, or asian (not yellow because they don't look yellow) which makes far more sense than calling them a nationality they aren't.

If I wanted to express racist opinions without sounding racist, I'd walk around all day and call blacks African-Americans and never Americans. Chinaman is even worse in that way, since there's not even the American part of it. If I was racist I'd walk around calling any asian looking Chinaman and never American or their nationality, emphasizing difference at every turn. For French-Americans, I'd call them Frenchman and never Americans if I wanted to bash French. It might not have the history of Chinaman, but if I was racist I'd know that people see through nigger or chink too easily so I'd have to pick different words.

It's clear that's what she's doing here. If there was a word the same for nigger as for Frenchman she would have used it, so she picked the closest her puny brain could think of.

[Havok]

As I said - it used to be a usage in the United States. I haven't heard it used in that manner for probably a quarter century. I have also seen textbooks from the first quarter of the 20th Century that DO use it in that sense. Between "oriental" being a less than specific for a person for many needs, and the narrowing of the meaning to an adjective used primarily for objects, I can see where this has grown to be an offensive use of the word. There may well be some other historical and social issues involved that I, as a mostly Euro-descended person, may be unaware of.

Yeah, I saw that after I posted, sorry, but I couldn't add anything or amend because of fuck head customers. Who do they think they are coming in to buy parts!!

[Terralthra]

It's clear that's what she's doing here. If there was a word the same for nigger as for Frenchman she would have used it, so she picked the closest her puny brain could think of.

Except a) there are insulting terms for French people and b) she didn't say it at all.

[Sam Or I]

WTF.... How can some one be so cold?

I once accidently ran over a baby kitty 3 years ago on my way to a halloween party, I still feel bad about that. (I was not drinking, and the party was actually acohol free once I got there.) That is a cat, let alone a human. I don't think I could live with myself.

[FSTargetDrone]

If I was racist I'd walk around calling any asian looking Chinaman and never American or their nationality, emphasizing difference at every turn. For French-Americans, I'd call them Frenchman and never Americans if I wanted to bash French. It might not have the history of Chinaman, but if I was racist I'd know that people see through nigger or chink too easily so I'd have to pick different words.

It's clear that's what she's doing here. If there was a word the same for nigger as for Frenchman she would have used it, so she picked the closest her puny brain could think of.

We may well be over-analyzing this individual's attitude or thinking processes, it's just that I found it an odd thing for someone to say, especially someone relatively young. Frankly, I'm surprised she didn't say "frog" in that phone conversation, but it may be a sanitized paraphrasing. "Frog" is definitely insulting. For all we know, she may have used the other word that I'll refrain from typing here instead of "gay guy." "Frenchman" used as an insult sounds like something a baby-boomer might say, not some 27-year old half-wit (which is exactly why I compared it to "Chinaman" in the first place as an "odd" thing to say, especially since it seems to have fallen out of use (as I perceived "Frenchman" to be similarly old-fashioned).

But she was clearly being insulting to point out his being French.

[Havok]

I don't know about most people but even without the history (which I knew) I would not walk around calling asian people Chinaman the same reason why I wouldn't walk around calling blacks African-American.

If they're here, they're American, not Africans. I understand the intent is because skin color is taboo and they're trying to find a politically correct way to express differences, but in almost all cases there's no need to express the difference at all. Might as well call them black, or asian (not yellow because they don't look yellow) which makes far more sense than calling them a nationality they aren't.

If I wanted to express racist opinions without sounding racist, I'd walk around all day and call blacks African-Americans and never Americans. Chinaman is even worse in that way, since there's not even the American part of it. If I was racist I'd walk around calling any asian looking Chinaman and never American or their nationality, emphasizing difference at every turn. For French-Americans, I'd call them Frenchman and never Americans if I wanted to bash French. It might not have the history of Chinaman, but if I was racist I'd know that people see through nigger or chink too easily so I'd have to pick different words.

It's clear that's what she's doing here. If there was a word the same for nigger as for Frenchman she would have used it, so she picked the closest her puny brain could think of.

Did you actually read the article posted? SHE didn't say anything. Actually, the person that did say it, didn't use any terms that were all that offensive, "tree hugger, a bicyclist, a Frenchman and a gay guy all in one shot."
It is the context of killing the people and getting points for the deaths along with her laughter that the judge found to be "breathtaking in its inhumanity."
I'm not sure why you are jumping to the conclusion that this chick is running Klan meetings.

[Glocksman]

(which is exactly why I compared it to "Chinaman" in the first place as an "odd" thing to say, especially since it seems to have fallen out of use (as I perceived "Frenchman" to be similarly old-fashioned).

It could be a regional thing or it could simply be that I *am* old fashioned, but when referring to a French person, I use the term 'Frenchman' or 'Frenchwoman' instead of 'male (or female) who is French'.
As such, it didn't sound out of the ordinary to me at all.

Believe me, if I intended to be insulting, the words used would be 'Frog', 'cheese eating surrender monkey', or something else along those lines.
Similarly, I don't use the term 'Chinaman' in everyday conversation because I am aware of the history it carries.

As an aside, my maternal grandmother's family name was 'French' and one of my distant relatives (Daniel French) sculpted the statue of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial.

So I guess I'm part Cheese-Eating Surrender Monkey.

[FSTargetDrone]

It could be a regional thing or it could simply be that I *am* old fashioned, but when referring to a French person, I use the term 'Frenchman' or 'Frenchwoman' instead of 'male (or female) who is French'.
As such, it didn't sound out of the ordinary to me at all.

Believe me, if I intended to be insulting, the words used would be 'Frog', 'cheese eating surrender monkey', or something else along those lines.
Similarly, I don't use the term 'Chinaman' in everyday conversation because I am aware of the history it carries.

I think you may be right about it being regional (if not generational). I just never hear it used around here (southeast Pennsylvania), even when people are being dismissive or insulting of French people.

As an aside, my maternal grandmother's family name was 'French' and one of my distant relatives (Daniel French) sculpted the statue of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial.

Cool!