NCJ Number
84542
Journal
Police Magazine Volume: 5 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1982) Pages: 49-56
Date Published
1982
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes the efforts of citizens across the country to change the laws regarding drunk drivers to provide stiffer penalties for driving while intoxicated and resultant vehicular homicide.
Abstract
As a result of the lack of appropriate criminal justice system response to drunk drivers, citizen groups are providing impetus, particularly in the State legislatures, for new measures to combat the problem. Following the death of her daughter, who was killed by a drunk driver, Candy Lightner of California formed an organization called Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD). The organization now has 37 chapters in 14 States. MADD and other groups have focused on the prosecutorial discrepancies followed in drunk driving cases. Generally, the citizen groups agree with police officials that while rehabilitation and prevention programs have their place, the most effective approach is apprehension and punishment of the offender. Most new State laws and law enforcement strategies have focused on this approach. California was one of nine States that passed tougher drunk driving laws. The response is deemed appropriate because 250,000 Americans have been killed by drunk drivers over the past 10 years. Some of the measures incorporated in the new laws include minimum mandatory penalties for the first offense, blood-alcohol readings above .10 as conclusive proof of drunkenness, and stiff fines for the first offense. Photographs are provided.