Several State Lawmakers have called it their new mission...to toughen existing drunk driving laws. The bill is in response to the death of Mathew Dennison, who lost his life in a traffic accident caused by an allegedly drunk driver."
“In early 2022, the Dennison family endured the most horrific tragedy any family can, by losing our 17-year-old son Matthew to the poor and selfish decisions of a drunk and drugged driver. Senator Leonidas Raptakis and Representative Patricia Serpa have been instrumental in our new mission of holding violators of Rhode Island’s DUI laws to account by implementing stiffer penalties for DUI, removing protections for those who offend by being able to look back at their record 10 years rather than 5 years, and by immediately removing the license plate of any car driven by an offender who has a suspended license for DUI or refuses a breathalyzer/chemical test,” said Mark Dennison, father of drunk driving victim, Mathew Dennison.
“Drunk drivers, especially repeat offenders and especially those whose irresponsible actions cause harm to others, should not be on the road, period,” said Senator Raptakis. “I don’t care how remorseful they seem when they appear before a judge. The punishment for this type of reckless disregard for the welfare of others needs to be much tougher. Until it is, drunks are going to keep getting behind the wheel and causing mayhem on our roads.”
The legislation would also increase penalties in drunk driving cases that result in death.
Hearings have not been set yet.
(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images