Dear Editor,
Drunk driving is a violent crime. It also is one of the most unspeakable and selfish crimes, because it is so easily avoidable - simply have a non-drinking designated driver along when going "partying."
Also, drunk driving accidents are truthfully not accidents at all. An accident is defined as an act unintentional and unforeseen. There is nothing unforeseen about causing an accident while choosing to "get stoned" on alcohol while on public highways. Drunk driving is a person's choice. While the crash the drunk driver causes itself may have been unintentional, its key cause was a choice. Thus, there is nothing unintentional and or accidental about this violent crime of driving while impaired.
There is a bill in the Senate that would prohibit shock probation (30 to 180-day jail term.) We need to see that a bill like Bill 25 is passed and thus do away with shock probation for driving while intoxicated offenders. Shock probation for DUI offenders is a short sentence to serve while the victims of this crime and their survivors will have to suffer much longer for the loss of a loved one.
