Nationwide, drunk driving awareness campaigns, safety experts and legislators have urged for stricter drunk driving penalties. Now advocates are urging Massachusetts lawmakers to pass a bill that would expand the requirement for ignition interlock devices to include both repeat offenders as well as first time drunk drivers. Advocates for the expansion of Melanie’s Law purpose that the new requirement would prevent certain drivers from putting other motorists and passengers at risk. Ultimately, expanding the law could prevent accidents and save lives.
Drunk driving accidents continue to pose a threat to other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and passengers. Our Massachusetts drunk driving accident attorneys are experienced with the widespread impact of drunk driving cases. We are also dedicated to staying abreast of current developments in anti-drunk driving campaigns and legislation that aims to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents on the roads.
One of the primary advocates for the law was a man whose granddaughter was killed by a drunk driver. Advocates are seeking expansion of a 2006 law, known as “Melanie’s Law” which was named after the victim, Melanie Powell. Melanie’s grandfather testified that Massachusetts needs to take additional and aggressive steps to prevent future drunk driving fatalities. The proposal to require first time offenders to use an ignition interlock device was one of several issues involving highway safety.
Continue reading