TN DUI Task Force
RIDDERS and friends,
This is to keep you informed that some big things are happening to improve the DUI situation. We of RID recommended at our "RID 2006 National Coalition Conference" on May 27 & 28, 2006 in Oak Ridge that such a Governor's Task Force be formed permanently. We are not sure that the present Governor's Task Force will stay in force. All of you need to communicate with the Governor to keep this Task Force permanently and with your legislature representatives to enact this legislation. Getting rid of this problem is certainly possible and within our fiscal means. In fact my data from outside sources says that the payback for all these actions to rid us of the Impaired Driving Problem would pay back about $10 for every $1 spent on the problem. The tremendous health care cost is mostly what drives this number due to accidents caused by impaired drivers.
These recommended changes are just the beginning of what is needed to get rid of more than 90% of the Impaired Driving Problem and costs. We need your and all your friend's help to make this possible and we need to start today getting our opinions counted for the upcoming Tennessee Legislative Session after the first of the year. Please forward this to as many of your Tennessee friends as possible to solicit their help.
W. Kelly Dagenhart, Ph.D.
President of Remove Intoxicated Drivers of Oak Ridge/ Anderson County
110 Newton Lane
Oak Ridge, TN 37830-8120
865-483-8801 home & office
865-599-3088 cell
775-417-7954 fax
dagenhartwk@bellsouth.net
The following is a copy of the DUI Task Force's letter to the Tennessee Governor.
STATE OF
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Governor’s
Highway Safety Office
Phone: (615) 741-2589 Fax: (615) 253-5523
Governor Phil Bredesen
Dear
Governor Bredesen:
On behalf of the DUI Task Force,
commissioned by you on
Highlights of proposed changes to
the DUI Laws include:
·
Rescind
legislation allowing for litter pick-up in lieu of 48 hours jail sentence.
·
Provides for
Administrative License Revocation process for DUI offenders.
·
Increases
treatment/monitoring for second and third offenders including Ignition
Interlock Systems.
·
Clarifies
sentencing provisions for DUI offenses including creating a Class D.
·
Felony for
fifth or subsequent offenses.
The Commission has worked diligently
over the last eight months. Numerous
speakers addressed the commission concerning issues including alcohol
monitoring devices, TBI policies and procedures, vehicle forfeitures and
treatment.
The Commission wants to express special thanks to Kendell Poole, Director of your Governors Highway Safety
Office, and
The recommendations set forth herein
are strong heart-felt proposals that hopefully will be seriously considered for
legislative action.
The Commission wants to thank you
for the opportunity to serve this great State.
We are hopeful that these recommendations will be considered to better
address the problems associated with impaired drivers.
Respectfully
submitted,
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