Breathalyzers in Cars

When Karen was killed 13 years ago, DWI was treated much differently in Erie County than it is today. Back then, there was no device that would prevent you from starting your vehicle if you had too much to drink. But now, if you're convicted of driving under the influence - both first-time and multiple offenders - you may need to install a breathalyzer in your vehicle.



Last month while speaking at a DWI Victim Impact Panel, I met a young man who was convicted of his first DWI and he showed me the device. Needless to say, it's another deterrent for him and anyone else facing a DWI conviction, to never drink and drive again.

CAID salutes the people at the STOP DWI office for helping to implement the vehicle breathalyzer policy in Erie County.

Just the other day I was speaking to a couple of Erie County Probation Officers and they agreed that "times are changing" when it comes to the penalties facing DWI offenders. Erie County now has a felony DWI unit that checks on offenders at all times of the day via home visits. More officers are being dedicated to watch over DWI offenders.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Unfortunately there's one obstacle that remains the same over the years though, "It all depends on the judges." There are still those town judges who seem to think that DWI is not a serious crime. We can only hope that more of these men and women will realize that "DWI is dangerous and deadly" and these vehicle breathalyzers do save lives.

Now some are pushing for alcohol detection devices in all cars. Just last month, this article was published in USA Today. What do I think? It probably won't happen anytime soon, but as someone who lost her little sister to a drunk driver, it can only help keep our roads safe.

Until next time...

Deanna

Happy Birthday

Dear Karen,



Today you would be 32 years old. I can't help but wonder what you'd be doing...perhaps a successful sports trainer, a mom, or a proud aunt who would absolutely love her niece. Alyssa has your blue eyes and we often show her your picture. She'll never know you, but she'll hear a lot of stories about you.

I love you and not a second goes by when I don't think of you. With you in mind, I continue to fight drunk driving, hoping other innocent lives aren't lost to DWI.

This is a song that brings tears to my eyes...wondering who you'd be today.

Happy Birthday, I love you.

Deanna

Stay Safe This St. Paddy's Day

Needless to say it's one of the biggest drinking nights in Western New York. It's St. Patrick's Day - so we'd like to wish everyone a happy and SAFE holiday.

This blog says it best: Grandma's Guide to Life

Don't count on the luck of the Irish this holiday, please make the right choice and don't drink and drive.

Deanna

A First in Erie County as Officer Fights For His Life

The man who killed his passenger and left a Buffalo Police Officer fighting for his life may be the first Erie County resident to be prosecuted on a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide.

Anthony Thompson is only 22 years old (a year over the legal age limit for legally drinking), and if he's convicted he could be serving 25 years in prison. Kudos to prosecutors who are making sure that Thompson is punished for what he did.

Watching the video of the crash (caught on surveillance tape used in this WGRZ report last weekend) causes the average person to gasp.

One of Thompson's passengers, Honey Ransom died of her injuries following that crash. The off-duty Buffalo Police Officer - Gary Sengbusch is hospitalized in critical condition at ECMC.

It's heartbreaking to hear the daily reports of drunk drivers maiming and killing innocent people. It's even more tragic when law enforcement officers are the ones who become their victims. After all, these men and women work hard to keep drunk drivers off of our roads.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Sengbusch and Ransom families and the Erie County District Attorney and his staff who are making sure justice is served.


Until next time...
Deanna

"Accident on Seneca Street" Flashbacks

"Accident on Seneca Street..."

When I first saw the report on the news all I could think of is, that's right where Karen's accident was. Just a few days ago, a pedestrian was struck by a hit and run driver...within feet of where my sister was killed.

Here's a link to the News' story regarding this latest incident. The 69 year old woman is in the hospital, and the woman who struck her hasn't yet been charged. Perhaps it's just a coincidence that the driver who struck this woman on Seneca near Duerstein is the mother of a Town of Tonawanda police officer and sister of the retired Town of Tonawanda Police Chief. I trust that her relations with the cops will have no bearing on the outcome of this case. Too many times "who you know" plays a larger role in the prosecution rather than "what you did".

The article says police are trying to figure out if the driver knew she hit the woman...how could she have not known? The impact sent her flying into the air!

Now at the end of the article, they mention that the victim served prison time for her role in a crash. As far as I'm concerned (as a victim and a fighter against DWI) that should have no bearing on this incident. She's a victim who shouldn't have been jaywalking, but the driver was ultimately at fault.

Now getting back to the flashback...Nearly 13 years later, I remember it like it was yesterday. Within feet of this most recent accident, my sister was riding with her friend when they were struck head on by a drunk driver. To this day, it's very difficult for me and my family to drive down Seneca Street. We often say a prayer as we drive down that stretch where my sister died.

13 years later I haven't forgotten and that's why I continue to fight and speak out about the dangers of drinking and driving, so no other family has to go through the pain that my family endures every day.


Until next time...

Deanna

Shaking my head in disgust

When I originally heard about the story surroundingwoman who ran from cops when watching the news this weekend, I originally thought "she just didn't want to face the police because she was drinking and driving.

Then I read the story in The Buffalo News. Unbelievable. Her driver’s license has been suspended 12 times??? Yet she's still driving and putting countless lives in danger.

The driver who killed my sister was also driving with a suspended license. When the courts give out this penalty for DWI they are trusting the DWI offenders that they won't drink and drive anymore. Often the drivers don't listen.

Thank goodness the police caught up to her and now she's facing even more charges. Lives could have been lost due to her negligence.

I'd like to salute the law enforcement officers for getting her off the road...again. Hopefully now the justice system can keep her from endangering more lives.

Until next time...

Deanna

'Tis the season

The holiday season has arrived, and for many Western New Yorkers that means parties and get togethers.

On behalf of CAID I would like to remind you to drive safe this holiday season. Remember to call a designated driver, if you or your driver isn't capable of driving home.


Thanks,

Deanna