On July 1, 2025, my family was enjoying the holiday, riding around on a golf cart, a cherished tradition meant for laughter and joy. This moment of happiness was abruptly shattered when Todd Gilbert of Bronson, MI, driving a pickup truck at terrifying speeds, collided with them. He was under the influence of meth, a decision that irreversibly altered our lives. Despite the evidence of this harrowing incident, Todd Gilbert has yet to be charged or spend a single day in jail.

This isn’t just about my family’s tragedy, but a glaring loophole in the justice system that continues to allow individuals who drive under the influence and take innocent lives to walk free until their trial. Each day that passes without accountability not only prolongs the grief of the affected families but also sends a message that such reckless behavior is somehow tolerable.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes every day—that's one person every 52 minutes. Despite these staggering numbers, the current legal framework does not mandate immediate incarceration for drunk or drug-impaired drivers involved in fatal accidents.

We propose a change in legislation to ensure that anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes a fatal accident is held in custody until their trial. This is not merely about punishment, but about preventing further tragedies by ensuring dangerous individuals are not free to repeat their mistakes.

Let's stand together to push for legislative change that holds individuals accountable immediately when they endanger lives with their recklessness. Please sign this petition to urge lawmakers to make our roads safer and guarantee a system that supports justice for victims and their families. Together, we can make a difference.