DE cracks down on drunk drivers
Governor Markell signs two bills into law that strength Delaware's drunk driving laws. WDEL's Amy Cherry reports.
"We see it every Friday, Saturday night, and on the holidays." That's Newport Police Chief Michael Capriglioine, and he's talking about drunk driving. Drunk driving deaths happen too often in Delaware that's why now, repeat offenders will be forced to do more jail time.
State Attorney General Beau Biden "Be tougher on repeat offenders, put them behind bars when they decide to get behind the wheel of what becomes a lethal weapon on the streets of our state," says Biden.
Under House Bill 168, some repeat drunk drivers will also be required to seek treatment, wear electronic monitoring devices, and have ignition interlock devices installed on their cars.
Rep. Helene Keeley (D-Wilm. West), who co-sponsored the measure, says the treatment component was key.
"Yes, we can lock people up and throw away the key, but unless we cure and start to have a conversation with the individuals about the root cause of why they're getting behind the wheel, it doesn't solve anything," says Rep. Keeley.
A second measure signed into law Wednesday, House Bill 174 increases penalties for those convicted of vehicular homicide.
Source: www.wdel.com
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