In a recent commentary, state Rep. Jeff Hilovsky writes about an alarming number of alcohol-related traffic crashes, both nationwide and locally. Last year in Delaware, there were 1,132 DUI collisions, resulting in the loss of 33 lives. He also shares his worry about how the legalization of recreational marijuana may increase that number. While the state’s new Driving Under the Influence Prevention Task Force hopes to “unravel the roots of our persistent DUI problem,” do you have potential solutions to share?
- It’s easy: For a first offense with no injuries, the offender should receive a $5,000 fine and have his or her vehicle impounded. For the second offense with no injuries, it should be a $10,000 fine or one year in jail — with no time off for good behavior — plus an impounded vehicle. For the third offense, there should be a lifetime revocation of driving privileges and 10 years in jail, as well as an auction for the vehicle involved. If, at any point, there is a person injured, the driver should go directly to step 3! If it is a fatal crash, it is life in jail. — Diane Butters-Eastburn
- Tell me when they figure out a way to get phones out of people’s hands while driving. — Bob Hice
- Breathalyzer to start the car. — Sherry Buckingham Peck
- Perhaps changing first and second DUI arrests from only being misdemeanor charges to felony charges? Or, after each arrest, increase the fines and the jail time, plus install an ankle monitor after several arrests? With the legalization of marijuana, I could see the concern. Smoking cannabis in your vehicle, then driving off — yes, technically, then you are impaired, but that had been happening long before it was legalized. Just look around at those parked in their vehicles outside of shopping centers or convenience stores, etc. That weed has a nasty, strong smell and permeates all areas surrounding it. Have police officers in Delaware even been equipped to test for driving under the influence of a drug, legal or not? Does the Breathalyzer work for drug testing, like alcohol testing, during a DUI stop? Perhaps lots of questions need answering, but the bottom line is that the court system has to change the type of punishment for DUI because, with these stats, it’s obvious the current justice is not working! — Cindy M. Starkey
- The hardest part is that, if a drunk person wants to drive (license or no license), he or she will drive. They take the wheel and don’t care about the others on the road. We are doomed. — Denise Bella
- A majority of drunk drivers just get behind the wheel of their own cars. A mandatory ignition Breathalyzer would prevent them from being able to drive. Also, I just looked at Delaware’s DUI info, and the state gives a temporary license? That’s ridiculous! New Jersey’s DUI laws are much stricter. — Tina Pacia
- Very simple: A first offender should receive a heavy fine and undergo required treatment/education about his or her disease. For a second offense, because treatment has failed, six months in jail and a one-year license suspension should be required. For a third offense: Sorry, you haven’t learned and are a danger to society, so five years in jail and a lifetime revocation. No plea bargains for reduced charges. No discretion from a judge. — R. Louis Frank
Join the conversation. Email civiltalk@iniusa.org.
