On New Year's Eve, we lost a great friend in a senseless car accident. The other driver was drunk and ran a red light while speeding, striking our friend's car which was making a legal left turn. Another friend in the car was severely injured. The assailant had a record of three alcohol-related incidents -- two of them ending in convictions -- yet, unbelievably he was still allowed to drive under Ohio state law. Beyond the sadness and anger we feel toward the driver, we feel betrayed and frustrated by a system that has allowed repeat offenders to get back behind the wheel. Tragedies like this can easily be prevented if we demand legislation that keeps repeat drunk drivers off the road.  

Please join me in asking Ohio to lead the way in implementing a more effective policy on drunk driving. Anyone found guilty of drunk driving should have their license suspended until they can show proof of successfully completing of an alcohol rehabilitation program.

10,000 people a year die in alcohol-related car accidents. Many people still don't comprehend the dangers that driving under the influence (DUI) poses. They think they can simply beat the system. In fact, the average drunk driver has driven while intoxicated 80 times before their first arrest, and nearly one-third of all DUI arrests and convictions involve repeat drunk driving offenders. There must be a way to stem this continued pattern of disregard for human life on the part of these careless individuals. It is time to make it even harder for people to get back on the road after being convicted of DUI.

A part of the new law would also have an enforcement mechanism while the offender is in rehabilitation. The mechanism, whether impounding the car, breathalyzer in the vehicle, or an anklet similar to those used for house arrest, would ensure the driver stays off the roads until they are done with rehabilitation.

Our friends death still weighs heavily on my mind. It was entirely preventable, and so arbitrary. I think about how it could have been anyone. If he had stopped to go to the bathroom before he left; if he had waited just a few more minutes before getting into the car. No matter where you live and who you are, you could be affected by intoxicated driving. It’s an epidemic in all 50 states, but I want to make a difference here in my home state of Ohio, and I want your help.

Ohio has the opportunity to show the nation a better way to combat drunk driving. Please join me in asking Ohio to require everyone convicted of a DUI to complete an alcohol rehabilitation program. Until they do, their licenses will remain suspended and they will remain off the road.