Despite increased police presence and numerous public awareness campaigns, drunk drivers continue to plague roadways across Hawaii. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is one of the most dangerous and senseless things that motorists can do, causing more and more deadly car accidents every year. Lawmakers in Hawaii are calling for new, more stringent laws against drunk driving in light of a recent deadly crash that killed three people.
In what was one of the most deadly crashes in recent memory in Hawaii, an intoxicated driver slammed into several pedestrians, killing three. Hawaii lawmakers say they will push for tougher legislation to combat the troubling increase in drunk driving crashes. One state representative says he plans to introduce a bill that will make it illegal for anyone who has been convicted of DUI to publicly consume or purchase alcohol for three years.
Another bill up for consideration would include the use of a constant sobriety monitoring system and also strengthen the ignition interlock program with strict requirements. According to the captain of police in Honolulu, there are about 4,000 alcohol related arrests annually in his city. In 2017, there were 42 people killed due to impaired or intoxicated driving across the state of Hawaii.
Lawmakers also noted that new ideas for safety improvements are welcome from the community. It goes without saying that tougher laws against drunk driving are a step in the right direction. However, there will always be irresponsible drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Families in Hawaii who have lost loved ones due to negligence in car accidents have the option to take legal action. Damages from a successful claim could help families recover any monetary losses that may have occurred due to a tragic accident.
