We've had two family members killed outright and child in our family maimed and brain damaged all in the same accident by a drunk driver who was (1) here in the country illegally from Mexico (2) had numerous drunk driving incidences and a couple of non-fatal accidents before this happened and (3) had never spent a day in jail before or after this incident. I won't call it an accident because given his prior record, it was only a matter of time before he killed someone.
If you want to know my take on it, drunk drivers should be incarcerated for breaking the law each and every time. There should be stiff penalties, jail time and loss of the ability to drive ever again.
I am terribly sorry for your loss.
In California, you can have your licence suspended for 6 months on the first offense. That's if there's no accident, no speeding, no child in the car. I think that is extreme.
Now, I had an experience of my own on March 8 of this year. I got thoroughly smashed at a local pub and drove home. I was lucky. Nothing happened on the way home. However, my wife was understandably pissed at me. I haven't had a drop since. Now, I don't know whether or not I'll drink again but if I do, I hope I have enough sense not to drive.
Yes, but MADD has gone way beyond just proposing stricter drunk driving laws. They get their fingers into everything nowadays, typical overbearing mother instincts leading to nanny state type of stuff.
Two of my best friends were killed by a drunk driver less then 3 years ago. The guy is in Jail, and I'm glad because of it. But that doesn't mean I embrase everything MADD says.