Local Radio Personality Downs Shots On Air To Show Dangers Of Impaired Driving

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—One of Baltimore's most popular radio personalities was drinking on the air Friday morning, and it was for a good reason.

Ron Matz has more on why there's a good chance if you don't drive sober, you'll get pulled over.

Maryland State Police sobriety checkpoints are aimed at getting impaired drivers off the roads.

Friday morning, Ed Norris was taking Breathalyzer tests. He was downing shots of Maker's Mark for a reason.

What you should know is that even if you're not at the 0.08 legal limit, you shouldn't be behind the wheel.

"Cognitive effects of the brain are affected prior to reaching that legal limit. Things like judgment, decision making, undivided attention, all the things that are necessary to operate a vehicle safely," said Sgt. Timothy Aronhalt, Maryland State Police.

Norris' breath was tested 15 minutes after each drink.

After four drinks, Norris isn't legally drunk yet but he's clearly feeling it and knows it.

"This gives people an idea that when you think you're fine, you're not," said Norris, WJZ-FM 105.7 The Fan. "My speech will slur as the show goes on even though I won't be at the legal limit. It will show why you shouldn't drink and drive."

Maryland State Police, in conjunction with the state's highway safety office, say Super Bowl weekend can be one of the deadliest times on the road.

It's where Checkpoint Strikeforce comes in.

"This time of year prior to Super Bowl Sunday is a big party weekend. In addition to the holidays we just had, we have the Checkpoint Strikeforce in full effect," Aronhalt said.

After eight drinks, Norris is legally drunk.

"This is the best example of why you shouldn't drive. Even though I will probably not even register as nearly impaired, I shouldn't even be doing this," Norris said.

Checkpoint Strikeforce began in 2002. Maryland State Police made just more than 21,000 DUI arrests last year.

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