Sen. Finney gains approval of legislation to reduce drunk driving in Tennessee

(NASHVILLE, TN, May 9, 2008) -- State Senator Raymond Finney, who represents the Eighth District (Blount and Sevier Counties), has gained approval of two bills to try to reduce the offense of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and other drugs.

Over 500 deaths occur each year from alcohol-related crashes on Tennessee roadways. The rate for Tennessee's alcohol-related traffic fatalities remains above the national average.

In one bill (Senate Bill 85), $250 would be added to the present DUI fine. Half of this amount would stay with the local government in the city or county in which the offense occurred. This amount would be earmarked to build and maintain jails or to add patrol officers on the street. The other half would go to support state alcohol and drug prevention and treatment programs.

"This innovative law is a 'stick and carrot' approach," explained Senator Finney. "Anyone operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated state endangers every person encountered on the road. He or she should pay a greater fine, to help pay for the penal system he or she requires to be maintained and to provide for efforts to reduce drunken drivers on our roads."

It is estimated that this bill will cause approximately $1.5 million to flow to local governments and a similar amount to state government programs. 

In the other bill (Senate Bill 359), a Victims Impact Panel (VIP) would be established as one option for judges to employ in an effort to reduce DUI offenses. If the judge so chooses, a DUI offender could be required to attend a VIP meeting.

A panel would have three speakers: a victim (someone who has been injured by or has lost a family member because of a DUI offense), a first responder (such as an EMT who responds to traffic accidents), and a DUI offender. These speakers would tell how DUI traffic accidents have affected them personally.

Started in Oklahoma, the VIP approach has been effective in reducing repeat drunken driving.

Finney added, "I served many years as county medical examiner in Blount and other counties and performed many forensic pathology autopsies before my retirement. I have seen far too many tragedies from the senseless, outrageous, antisocial behavior of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. When a convicted drunken driver is forced to listen to people whose lives have been shattered by this offense, perhaps some will choose to be responsible in their drinking habits."

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