CHARLESTON — An aggravated drunken driving crime that raises punishment in proportion to the blood alcohol content, and mandatory interlocks for first-time offenders are being examined by Gov. Joe Manchin’s staff.
Neither idea of Mothers Against Drunk Driving has made it through the interims process, although both bills could be on December’s agenda.
Even so, Manchin gave MADD’s annual holiday campaign to keep inebriants off the highways a boost Monday at the Capitol.
“Drunk driving is one of West Virginia’s most frequently committed and deadliest crimes,” Manchin declared.
Last year, he pointed out, drunken drivers were blamed in 129 deaths and 2,600 nonfatal injuries on the highways.
MADD has been pitching for a reform of DUI statutes so that drivers with a BAC of at least .15 would be subjected to a higher penalty than those measured below that mark. A .08 reading is sufficient to charge a driver with DUI in current law, but there is no difference in penalties as the BAC climbs the scale.
Another goal is to impose interlocks on first-time offenders, devices that prevent an ignition from turning over if a driver breathes into them with a BAC too high for travel.
“We have our legal staff looking at everything we possibly can do,” Manchin said after the news briefing with MADD’s executive director, Donna Hawkins. “I will support anything I can to take drunk drivers off the highway.”
Until new legislation is enacted, Manchin called on West Virginians to display “tough love” and seize the keys of any drinking motorists visibly unfit to handle a motor vehicle.
“I don’t care how mad they get at you,” he said. “Grab the keys. Keep them out of the car. Sometimes that’s tough. I’ve been in situations where it was, ‘Oh, don’t worry. I’m fine. I’m fine.’ I’ve heard it all. Yeah, you’re fine. You could barely make it to the car, let alone drive. Sometimes, it’s tough love.”
Hawkins’ group passed out red ribbons to be attached to motor vehicles, or decals for windows, or, as in Manchin’s case, a red wristband to publicize the “Tie One On” holiday campaign. Manchin secured a ribbon around a microphone on his lectern where it will remain through New Year’s Day.
“Our mission is to stop this terrible crime, and prevent underage drinking,” said Hawkins, flanked by state troopers and sheriff’s deputies.
Hawkins introduced two women who lost family members to drunken motorists.
“The grim reality is there, that you or a member of your family, or someone you know, will likely be impacted by drunk driving at some point in your lifetime,” she said.
“We believe it is possible to have a nation without drunk driving. It can be a reality.”
State Police Superintendent David Lemmon said law enforcement agencies will make about 10,000 arrests for DUI this year, about the same as in 2006.
“I think we’re making headway,” the colonel said. “Enforcement and prosecution have improved.”
— E-mail:
mannix@register-herald.com
Local News
Manchin looking at interlocks, DUI law
- Local News
-
-
Passenger screening system installed at Greenbrier Valley Airport
Greenbrier Valley Airport this week became one of the first airports of its size to boast a cutting-edge passenger screening system.
- NRCTC impresses high school students
-
GOP revives welfare drug testing bill
A Republican-led effort Wednesday would force anyone getting a welfare check in West Virginia to undergo a drug test in what a sponsor sees as an act of compassion to get addicts clean.
-
Governor, truckers, NTSB support texting ban
Veteran truck drivers joined Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and the National Transportation Safety Board in a concerted plea Wednesday to ban texting and cell phone chatter while driving on West Virginia highways.
- Bank robbery suspect faces more charges
- Calendar — Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012
- Area news
-
Greenbrier drug suspects rounded up
The drug task force of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department, along with members from several agencies, initiated a roundup of suspected drug users, abusers and dealers in the area after the county’s grand jury returned sealed indictments Tuesday, Sheriff Jim Childers explained.
- Man arrested for sexual assault at weekend game
-
Rainelle couple arrested for drugs
A drug bust in Rainelle landed a husband and wife in jail last week, Police Chief J.P. Stevens said.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
