On September 9th, 2017, my husband, Bill Vogt, went for a walk in a school zone on a bright sunny Saturday morning and never came home. He was hit by a pickup truck and lost his life due to the injuries he sustained in the accident.

The driver of the truck did not receive a ticket and was never tested for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs despite taking someone's life. There were no witnesses, so the driver's account was the only one the police considered and the county prosecutor's office never investigated the scene. A judgment call by a police officer is the only determinant of whether a driver is under the influence. My family and I are trying to get the state to pass a new law in New Jersey that requires mandatory drug and alcohol testing of drivers involved in accidents that result in a serious injury or death.

Motorists who may be under the influence get away with killing pedestrians because there are not any witnesses and there is not enough evidence to prove responsibility beyond a reasonable doubt to criminally convict the driver. The pedestrian is dead so there is not anyone who can speak for them and get their side of the story. A pedestrian has no chance against a motor vehicle.

My husband was a well-loved member of the community. Over 600 people attended his wake. He was the President of the Ringwood, NJ Seniors, as well as a member of the Bloomingdale, NJ and Wanaque, NJ Seniors. He coached football, boys baseball, girls softball and boys and girls basketball for many years. He was a member of the Wanaque Coaches Association and Knights of Columbus.

We were married for over 52 years. He worked hard for 50 years and was just beginning to enjoy his retirement. He was only 71 years old and retired for only 4 years.

Our entire family has been devastated by his death and the lack of justice. He has children and grandchildren and was an important part of all of their lives. He will not get to see his oldest granddaughter get married next year or see his first great grandchild. He was full of life and a person that many people admired.

If you are interested in learning more, please click on the link below to read the article published in The North Jersey Record newspaper on October 27, 2018.

Please sign this petition to support a new law in New Jersey that requires mandatory drug and alcohol testing of drivers involved in accidents that result in a serious injury or death.

Thank you very much for your support!

The North Jersey Record Newspaper October 27, 2018