Legislators seek to toughen DWI law
5:55 PM Tue, Apr 14, 2009 | Permalink
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PROVIDENCE, R.I -- In the wake of recent fatal drunk driving accidents, Rhode Island legislators are trying again to tighten the state's drunken driving laws to give the police more latitude to conduct alcohol screenings. A proposed new law (2009-H 5039) would allow police to obtain search warrants that would compel suspects to take a Breathalyzer test if they are believed to have caused an accident in which someone was killed or seriously hurt. Currently, if a suspect refuses such a test, none is conducted. Led by Bristol Rep. Douglas W. Gablinske, whose father was killed by an impaired driver four decades ago, a group of representatives says it is time to join the more than 40 states that have tightened their drunk driving rules over the years. "If a person refuses a (breath test) now that's the end of it. You can't do anything about it," Gablinske, a Democrat, said Tuesday. "What this allows is if there is evidence of drinking or drugs, you can request a search warrant...one of the strongest pieces of evidence a prosecutor can have is the Breathalyzer and right now they often don't have it." Gablinske, along with several law enforcement officials and anti-drunk driving organizations, will hold a news conference to discuss the bill Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in the House Lounge on the second floor of the State House. 
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add a $1 tax on every drink sold at every bar and restaurant...that will reduce consumption and drunk drivers.
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I hope this bill is for search warants for blood and not breath. I don't know how someone compels someone to give a breath sample.
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If Rhode Island politicians are serious about lowering the alcohol fueled carnage on our roads and highways they can begin by holding their fund-raisers in establishments that DON'T serve alcohol. This will get about 20% of the drunks off the roads right away. I don't drink so they can lower the legal limit to .0000001 for all I care.
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Tax, adding $1 tax to every drink sold will only end up hurting the restaurant business as people will be less likely to purchase drinks while out at dinner or at the bar. A more direct approach would be to set up additional check stations and allow police to conduct sobriety tests if they feel necessary.
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Tightening the laws is necessary. What good will mandating breath tests do when those arrested for DUI are then granted bail and are allowed to drive to/from work? Especially with a long history of violations on his record -- as is the case we are now seeing -- this isn't just a DUI --someone was actually killed by the driver. What is this saying to others who drink and drive? Go right ahead; there are no consequencies for you.
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We need to make it tougher for those who drink and drive to drive again. Why don't we have a set amount of jail time and automatic loss of drivers license when there is severe injury or death at the hands of these people. Why should they have any rights when they have destroyed someone's life? This is not JUSTICE. The punishment needs to fit the crime.
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