Today the decision in Bowling Green v. Lynn (2006), 165 Ohio App.3d 825, 2006-Ohio-1401 (Sixth District) was announced.  The case ...   more »

Highway Patrol Announces Summer Focus On Problem Roadways

Dated: 06/26/2006  11:29:00 AM

From www.wdtn.com

The State Highway Patrol is announcing plans today to put additional troopers this summer on Ohio's deadliest stretches of Interstate. They've been identified by an Ohio State researcher, who has been going over accident data for the past year. Christopher Hollomon says his study pinpoints when and where officers are likely to find traffic violations that lead to crashes. Using the information, the patrol will concentrate on the trouble spots using troopers working overtime. Officials say from July through September, extra officers will be watching: Interstate 270 around Columbus; I-90 and I-480 in the Cleveland area; I-280 and I-475 near Toledo; Interstates 71, 74, 75 and 275 around the Cincinnati area; and I-75 and I-675 near Dayton.

The following article, from the online version of the Dayton Daily News, shows how area courts are using technology to keep tabs on probationers.  If you find yourself facing a DUI (now known as OVI), keep in mind that a probation violation for alcohol consumption often results in jail time.

Ankle bracelet keeps tabs on drinkers

By Nancy Bowman

Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News 

Troy — Two Miami Valley courts have a new way to monitor offenders whose freedom requires them to refrain from drinking — and it could make them sweat. If the offender — most often charged with drunken driving or domestic violence with alcohol involved — falls off the wagon, a probation officer will know, thanks to the Secure Continuous Remove Alcohol Monitor, or SCRAM.

Miami County is the first in the region to buy the bracelets that analyze the wearer's perspiration to determine blood-alcohol concentration. The bracelets, which weigh 8 ounces and cost $1,600 each, are placed on the offender's leg and worn around the clock. The bracelets can measure perspiration as frequently as every 30 minutes. The results can be viewed online by authorized probation officers.

Judge Mel Kemmer of Miami County Municipal Court said each case is examined, looking at the person's employment history and number and seriousness of alcohol-related offenses to determine if the offender might be a SCRAM candidate. The offender serves some jail time before being released on SCRAM, with the balance of the jail time hanging over his head if he messes up. "It gives people an opportunity to prove to me and to themselves, more importantly, that they can be a responsible person," Kemmer said.

Offenders are charged a $100 hook-up fee plus $10 daily.

Tony Blakley, chief probation officer at Miami County Municipal Court, and Jeff Parsons, probation officer, said the county's 10 bracelets have been in use about two months with no problems. Blakley said the units can be worn in the shower, but should not be immersed in water. Montgomery and Warren counties are not using the bracelets.

Greene County Common Pleas Court has been leasing six SCRAM bracelets from a Cleveland company for a year. Offenders are charged similar fees. "In probation, alcohol detection is difficult because it leaves the system so quickly. I am very pleased with this technology," said Bryan Lynch, county prison diversion program director.

He wore a bracelet for 10 days after an offender claimed a magnet set off the detector. He found that standing near the magnet didn't set off the bracelet, but consuming alcohol did.

FAA Issues Final Ruling On Alcohol, Drug Use

(from www.aeronews.net) Fri, 23 Jun '06

If You Use... You WILL Pay With Your Ticket

It's now a matter of law. The FAA Thursday issued a long-awaited final ruling on alcohol and drug abuse, under which a pilot who either refuses a drug or alcohol test at the airport, or is found with a blood-alcohol content of more than .04-percent, will lose his medical certificate.

The same rules would apply to air traffic controllers, as well. The rule also standardizes the deadline for reporting positive tests or refusals.

The changes go into effect July 21, 2006.

The new rules were met with opposition from the Air Line Pilots Association. ALPA says one positive test does not an alcohol or drug addict make.

The FAA states that before regaining medical certification for flight, a pilot whose been revoked for drug or alcohol abuse must enter rehabilitation and must demonstrate the ability to meet the standards set out in FAR Part 67. Furthermore, a blood-alcohol level of more than .04-percent must be reported to the FAA within two days.

The new rules don't change the penalties for pilots who are arrested for DUI or DWI. Even if it's unrelated to air travel, an arrest for driving under the influence or driving while impaired can still cost a pilot his ticket.