MADD Donates New Technology to Police

In the future, drunken drivers who have wrecks or cause injuries may have their version of the incident refuted by new technology that records the speed, RPMs, acceleration, brakes and other functions of their late-model vehicles.

In Lubbock, Texas the future is now. The South Plains chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving donated the electronic equipment that allows police to read the sensing diagnostic module that is now standard on most cars, sometimes called the "black box."

Lubbock County Sheriff's Office Investigator Andy Holcomb said, ""It's pretty cutting-edge as far as law enforcement is concerned, we think this is going to be that piece of the puzzle to back up measurements investigators make."

"I think we're getting on the front end of something that could be very helpful," Lubbock District Attorney Bill Sowder told reporters. "Especially in cases with death or serious bodily injury, I think it'll make a difference. (The technology) will become more advanced and we'll be thankful we got it early."

The equipment cost $3,500, which the MADD chapter purchased out of its annual $4,000 budget, MADD Victim Assistance Coordinator Shannon Ramos said.

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