1. In Fight to Stop Drunk Driving, Police Draw Blood.
- Author
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Hallinan, Joseph T.
- Subjects
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DRUNK driving laws , *BLOOD testing , *AUTOMOBILE drivers , *DRUNKENNESS (Criminal law) , *PREVENTION of drunk driving , *DRUNK driving investigation , *TRAFFIC safety - Abstract
Assesses the practice of police officers taking blood from suspected drunk drivers. Comments from John O'Boyle, district attorney of Pierce County (Wis.), regarding the efficacy blood tests as evidence as opposed to breath tests; Questions, arising from such a practice, related to the suspects' rights and compelling medical professionals to perform services; Reasons why suspects are declining breath tests; Statistics indicating a significant portion of individuals arrested for drunk driving are refusing the breast tests, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; States that have passed legislation authorizing police to use reasonable force to collect blood; Details of the "implied consent" law to which all motorists are considered to have consented; Statistics indicating a rise in the number of blood samples taken from driving under the influence suspects; Issues related to privacy and civil liberties raised by such methods; Methods by which police are drawing blood.
- Published
- 2004