MADD director urges city to install alcohol detectors in vehicle - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

The local director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is urging Atlanta's mayor to install alcohol detectors into city vehicles.

Earlier this week, FOX 5 reported on what appears to be a dangerous combination -- water department employees drinking alcohol and then getting behind the wheel of city vehicles.

After it was reported that a water department employee purchased beer and drove a vehicle, city officials conducted a surprise drug test of other employees at one northwest Atlanta facility.

One whistleblower, who asked to remain anonymous, told FOX 5's Morse Diggs that numerous employees at the Pipe Yard drink alcohol and use marijuana while on the job.

"I know that at night time, they go to drink, and when the night falls, it's like a saloon there," said the worker.

Atlanta MADD director Barry Martin is urging officials to install ignition interlocks on city vehicles. The tool does not allow you to start a vehicle until the driver blows into a tube to test for alcohol.

Judges have ordered habitual drunk drivers to install the device as part of their probation.

Martin said water workers who are speaking out about the alleged problems are heroes,

"Folks that step up and go out on a limb and volunteer to blow the whistle, they're doing a great service to the public safety of Atlantans," said Martin.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed's chief operating officer, Duriya  Farooqui, says the city has a zero tolerance policy in regard to alcohol and drugs. She says the city would be willing to study the idea of using the alcohol detection instruments.