Courtesy of WFAA News
Lawmakers in Texas are considering new policies to discourage drunk driving and keep DFW streets safe.
In a feature by WFAA news, college student Mike Lunday recounts his personal encounter with the effects of drunk driving. In 2009, a lady who’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle in which Lundy rudubg. Lundy’s best friend, 20-year-old Joshua Carter, was with him in the car and died as a result of the accident. The drunk driver was sentenced to sixteen years for intoxicated manslaughter.
Lundy, who suffered traumatic brain injuries, is presently confined to a wheelchair and continues therapy – learning to speak and operate his arms and legs. He is also an advocate for stricter DWI laws.
“One time, you’re done. Behind bars. That would send a message, I think ,” he told WFAA news in an interview.
Texas lawmakers say they are not considering putting that into law, but they are considering other policies – such as sobriety checkpoints (similar to those already in effect in 38 other states). Another policy that Dallas auto accident lawyer Jeff Rasansky’s team heard about at the Walk Like MADD event this past weekend was mandatory interlocks for first time offenders. These low cost systems require drivers to breathe into them. The system checks their blood-alcohol level, and if they are safe to drive, it allows the car to start.
We’ll see what our policy makers come up with. In the meantime, let’s all remember that we hold individual responsibility to exercise wisdom when it comes to driving (or allowing others to drive).
Drive safely, Dallas.
