On the night of April 26, 2025, my life was forever changed. My son, Trent, just 22, was on his motorcycle, making his way home. Tragically, he never made it back. A driver, who later admitted at the scene to having been drinking, hit him. The police performed a field sobriety test, deemed it satisfactory, and allowed him to walk away without so much as a blood draw, drug screen, or arrest. No justice served, only painful, unanswered questions.

Every morning, I wake up haunted by the same questions: How impaired was that driver really? Would my son have been shown the same leniency if the roles were reversed? These questions plague me, and they're questions no parent should bear. The anguish of losing a child is compounded by the torment of not knowing the truth and the sense that justice was never even attempted.

This is not just about my Trent; it's about the sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers who deserve more than speculation and what-if scenarios. Our current system allows those potentially at fault in fatal accidents to evade full accountability. This has to change.

I urge California legislators to pass a law mandating alcohol and drug testing for all drivers involved in fatal crashes. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities account for approximately 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. California is known for its proactive measures in road safety, yet without mandatory testing, we allow a significant loophole for impaired drivers.

The solution is clear and actionable: require mandatory alcohol and drug testing for drivers involved in fatal crashes. It begins with legislative action and enforcement at the scene of every tragic incident. Furthermore, strengthen protocols to ensure sobriety tests are thorough and conclusive, with clear follow-up procedures for testing and accountability.

By supporting this petition, we can hold drivers accountable and bring about necessary change to prevent other families from the heartache mine endures daily. It is time for California to set a standard for transparency and accountability in traffic incidents. Please join me in demanding justice and change. Sign this petition to make our roads safer for everyone, and help prevent future tragedies. Let’s honor Trent's memory by ensuring no other family has to live with unanswered questions and unquantifiable grief.