ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.  — The decision to get behind the wheel while impaired can turn out devastating and advocates hope new safety recommendations could solve the problem.

“That was the last picture. That was hours before she was killed,” said Linda Unfried.

Thirty-eight years ago, Unfried’s sister, Josie, was hit and killed by a drunk driver.

“I miss her so much because I could call her for anything. I could call her; we were as close as twins,” said Unfried, the co-founder of Hillsborough County Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Now, some people think a push for stronger safety measures in cars could be the solution.

“This measure is going to be life-saving for so many, many people,” said Unfried.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling for alcohol impairment detection systems to be included in all new cars, per new recommendations released this week.

The recommended measures include requiring systems that would be capable of preventing or limiting a car from being operated if it detects a driver is impaired by alcohol.

This year across all counties, Florida crash data shows there were more than 3,300 impaired driving crashes involving alcohol only.

“Last year, we did about 675 DUI arrests just in the city,” said Sgt. Michael Schade with the St. Petersburg Police Department traffic section. “We had about 275 crashes related to DUI offenses, so that’s obviously something that’s a significant number, and we’re trending about the same way this year.”

Sgt. Schade said it’s a problem they see every day.

“Don’t underestimate what you’re doing,” said Schade. “It’s a significant issue. It happens fast. You don’t realize it sneaks up on you, and you might think you feel okay, but you’re really not.”

Unfried thinks if this technology had been available 38 years ago, it might’ve made a difference in her sister’s case. Until changes come, she said she’ll keep pushing for action.

“It’s a passion, and I will never stop fighting to save lives,” said Unfried.

Mary O'Connell at WFTS first reported this story.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Police investigators are praising staff at a Florida bar for rescuing a woman who was allegedly being sexually assaulted in a restroom.

According to St. Petersburg police, Jarrod Kennedy Matchett lured the female victim into the bathroom at The Dog Bar St. Pete Sunday afternoon.

Investigators say the man and woman met that day and had been bar-hopping beforehand.

“They went into the restroom together,” said Yolanda Fernandez with the police department. “At that point, things changed.”

WFTS learned the victim used her cell phone to send an urgent message to the bar’s Facebook page while the violent attack was underway.

Management at The Dog Bar shared the message with WFTS. It reads in part, “Help me, please call the police.”

“When I first saw the message, I don’t think I really even stopped to think about what was going on,” said manager Stephanie Marble. “I just felt like I needed to act.”

Marble and a trusted customer immediately went to the restroom area, pounding on every door.

Marble soon rescued the victim, escorting her to a safe space, and called the police.

“Pretty traumatized by the event, still,” said Marble. “I think it’s going to take a little while for it to leave me.”

According to the police report, the victim said, “I don’t give you permission.” She reportedly told officers she did not attempt to fight Matchett, fearful of what might happen due to his level of aggression.

Police arrested Matchett, charging him with sexual battery. Matchett has an extensive criminal history in Pinellas County, but nothing of a violent nature.

Vlad Cruz, a customer in the bar, says he spotted Matchett after the attack and tracked him walking down Central Avenue until police arrived.

“I was able to follow him down the street for a bit just to keep eyes to make sure he didn’t disappear anywhere," Cruz said.

Police are giving credit to both staff and that customer for their swift action Sunday.

“I hope more people take the opportunity to take action or speak out,” said Cruz.

This story was originally published by Ryan Smith at WFTS.