Our View: Alcohol sensors make a sobering, constant companion

In Alaska’s long struggle with alcohol misuse, we’ve learned that we need to confront the problem on multiple fronts — education, treatment and counseling, tough enforcement and effective alternatives to jail time. For repeat DUI offenders, being married to a 24/7 Breathalyzer covers several of those fronts. That’s the message in Kyle Hopkins’ Jan. 5 […]

MADD scores Alaska 4 of 5 stars on DUI prevention, calls for checkpoints

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers today scored Alaska four out of five stars in a state-by-state ranking of DUI prevention across the country. In its “2014 Report to the Nation,” the non-profit outline five actions each state should take to curb drunken driving. Alaska has already enacted most of those steps, including: – Requiring ignition interlock […]

What happens when it’s the state selling the booze?

States that directly control their own alcohol sales through state-run liquor stores get more revenue from booze than states like Alaska that issue liquor licenses to private retailers, the University of Michigan has found. Unlike Alaska, which takes its cut of the alcohol business through high taxes, some states also directly handle wholesale and/or retail […]

Family sues Chilkoot Charlie’s after daughter killed in DUI crash

Lanita Sweatt-Sanders says goodbye to her daughter, Citari Townes-Sweatt. Police say the 20-year-old was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Sweatt-Sanders has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Anchorage court, accusing Chilkoot Charlie’s of liability in the death. […]

‘I Guess I Thought I Was Invincible’

Twice a day, Larry Berg responds to the sound of a siren coming from his south Anchorage bedroom. He must blow into an alcohol monitor on his dresser and prove to Alaska Pretrail Services and the state that he hasn’t been drinking. If he drinks or misses a test, he’ll go back to jail to […]

Daily Breathalyzer to be used statewide

Larry Berg submits breath samples to an alcohol monitor in his home twice a day as he awaits a court hearing on his fourth DUI charge. Alaska Pretrial Services monitors his compliance with a court order to not drink. […]

What does 0.08 feel like?

Can you tell when you’re too drunk to legally drive? Alaska law says a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher means you’re too soused to get behind the wheel, but we wondered just how precise partygoers are when it comes to guessing their limits. After buying what seemed like the last pocket Breathalyzer in Anchorage, […]