Ignition interlock maker critical of Iowa drunk driving laws (RadioIowa)

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 by O. Kay Henderson

The head of a company that makes devices which prevent drivers who are drunk from starting their vehicles says other states have jumped ahead of Iowa when it comes to making sure habitual drunken drivers cannot drive.

Kevin Doyle is president of Consumer Safety Technology, a business based in Clive that manufactures the “Intoxalock,” a device which requires a driver to blow into a tube to prove they aren’t intoxicated before they can start their vehicle.


“Unfortunately since 1988 Iowa has fallen far, far, far behind in the management of OWIs,” he says.  OWI stands for “Operation While Intoxicated.”

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Head of police union charged with drunk driving (Pierce County Herald)

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PORTAGE - The head of the state police union says he’s “ashamed” he was picked up for drunk driving this month in Columbia County.

James Palmer of Sun Prairie, director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, issued a statement yesterday in which he apologized and promised not to challenge his first-time OWI citation.

According to authorities, Palmer and police association finance director Jean Steinhauer had three drinks at a Madison tavern before they each drove away. The 48-year-old Steinhauer lost control on a curve north of Sun Prairie and drove through a large snowbank and into a shed. Palmer then drove there to help her. His blood alcohol level was point-146, and Steinhauer’s level was point-15 – both well above the state’s legal limit of point-zero-eight. Steinhauer was also cited for first-offense drunk driving.

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Reno mother arrested after allegedly passing out drunk in car with 7-month old (RGJ.com)

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By Jaclyn O'Malley 

A 29-year-old Reno woman was jailed on allegations she drove drunk with her infant daughter, and then passed out at the wheel after ordering fast food.

Samantha Nicole Choley was arrested Sunday night after employees at the Plumb Lane McDonald’s restaurant called police to report a woman was passed out in her 2002 Saturn in the parking lot. Officers found a crying 7-month-old girl in the back seat, and they were unable to immediately rouse Choley, who was being held up by her seat belt, according to a police report.

Choley was booked into the Washoe County Jail on suspicion of drunken driving and child endangerment. She was released after posting more than $4,000 bail.

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