A RIGHT TO KNOW

When we spend our money we want to get the most from it. If we need some repair to our homes or our auto we will ask people we trust for a reference. If a reference is not available we may call the Better Business Bureau and ask for a list of contractors that could serve our needs. The Better Business Bureau can give a favorable rating for a company or they can give a warning about companies that provided services that were unsatisfactory. Any good businessperson wants to know a person’s reputation before they invest hard earned money with someone that they do not know. While we worry about the expenses of some car or other tangible thing, we fail to realize the expense and suffering that we are all at risk because of people who are unfit to drive an auto.

People who drive drunk are putting everyone at risk that drives the roads. There are accidents that happen every day and for the most part they are just random events. When it comes to accidents caused by drunk driving it is totally preventable. Alcohol is a legal substance, it is a person’s right to purchase and consume it. But no one has the right to put others at risk by driving drunk. Recently a bill was filed in the state legislature that could help in combating this problem.

 State Rep. Scott Inman has filed a measure that would require anyone convicted of a DUI or DWI to have a designation placed on their driver's license reflecting that conviction ─ even after the first offense. The designation would remain on the license for up to four years and would only be removed if the person received no additional drunk driving convictions during that time. To have a grasp of the problem in 2005 in Oklahoma, 283 out of 802 total traffic fatalities were alcohol related.