• 30
  • November
    2011

On December 1, a new law will go into effect in North Carolina, drastically changing the penalties for repeat drunk drivers in North Carolina. The timing of the new law couldn't be better. According to the Department of Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, there are more drunk driving accidents the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years than at any other time of year.

The new law, known as "Laura's Law," was drafted by legislators after 17 year-old, Laura Fortenberry, was killed in a head-on collision with Howard Passour, who was attempting to pass a series of vehicles on a two-lane highway. Passour, who had previously been convicted of three DWI offenses, was sentenced to 28 years in prison last March.

The new law, which was passed unanimously in June, not only increases the prison time for repeat offenders, but it also will extend the length of time repeat offenders must wear alcohol monitoring bracelets from 60 days up to a potential of three years.

Although law enforcement will be stepping up patrols over the coming month, there are steps everyone in North Carolina can take to stay safe from injury this season. Holiday travelers should always use a designated driver, avoid binge drinking and step in to make sure friends do not drink and drive. When in doubt, call a sober friend or taxi to take you home.

A life can be shattered in an instant. Drunken driving related car accidents in North Carolina frequently cause serious injuries and sometimes even death. While merrymakers can't control who is on the road, they can take steps to make sure they are not one of the hazards on it.

Source: www.examiner.com, "Teen Killed By Drunk Driver, Laura's Law, Takes Effect Thursday," 30 November 2011, Chris McGraw