Lindsay Lohan mug shot launches drunk driving ad
(Agencies)
2008-05-04 09:35
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Lohan's lawyer Blair Berk said on Friday that the actress "fully endorses ignition interlock devices." But in her statement, Berk added that it was irresponsible to suggest that drinking and driving "is some kind of American 'tradition' we should protect."
The advertisement was paid for by Web site www.interlockfacts.com, which is described as a "special project" of the American Beverage Institute. The ABI is a restaurant trade association with strong links to U.S. wine, beer and spirits suppliers that promotes responsible drinking by adults.
The ABI said it planned to use the mug shots of other celebrities arrested for drunken driving in further campaigns but did not give details.
"These are public images. A lot of publications have used this (Lohan) shot. We are not worried about any legal fallout," ABI managing director Sarah Longwell told Reuters.
Longwell said the campaign was aimed at highlighting moves in the United States to incorporate interlocking technology into all cars to stop drunken driving.
Nine U.S. states have passed laws allowing the installation of in-car breathalyzers used to lock ignition switches into cars of those who have been convicted of first time drunk driving. The federal government has also funded a research program into other devices.