Inattention behind the wheel is a serious problem; it causes injuries and death every year but cannot be effectively enforced if appropriate laws are not put in place.
I attended the June 4 meeting hosted by Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, on “finding solutions to reduce the high percentage of teen accidents.” I stood up during the public speaking time and told my story in hopes to light a fire to fuel movement toward increased safe driving laws with consequences. A distracted driver killed my son and received no consequence for his negligence. Where is the justice in that? I want to make driver inattention accountable and a crime.
On June 21 I followed up with a letter to Pike to set up a meeting with her to assure she heard my voice. During the meeting, she appeared to be purposeful and able to accomplish what needs to be done yet I have not heard anything from this highly capable professional. An elected official should work for their constituents. So far, Pike has been nonresponsive to me regarding this issue.
How many people are needed to line up behind me before we can get a new law enacted to prevent an escalating problem that affects all of us behind the wheel? I am not going to stop until a new distracted driving law for vehicular manslaughter is enacted.
