ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The choice to get behind the wheel whereas impaired can end up devastating and advocates are hoping new security suggestions could possibly be the reply to the issue.
“That was the last picture. That was hours before she was killed,” mentioned Linda Unfried.
38 years in the past, Unfried’s sister, Josie, was hit and killed by a drunk driver.
“I miss her so much because I could call her for anything. I could call her, we were as close as twins were,” mentioned Unfried, who can also be the co-founder of Hillsborough County MADD.
Now, some individuals suppose a push for stronger security measures in cars could possibly be the answer.
“This measure is going to be life-saving for so many, many people,” mentioned Unfried.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is looking for alcohol impairment detection systems to be included in all new cars, per new suggestions launched this week. The really useful measures embody requiring systems that may be able to stopping or limiting a automobile from being operated if it detects a driver is impaired by alcohol.
This yr throughout all counties, Florida crash data reveals there have been greater than 3,300 impaired driving crashes involving alcohol solely.
“Last year, we did about 675 DUI arrests just in the city,” mentioned Sgt. Michael Schade with the St. Pete Police Department Traffic Section. “We had about 275 crashes related to DUI offenses, so that’s obviously something that’s a significant number, and we’re trending about the same way this year.”
Sgt. Schade mentioned it’s an issue they see on daily basis.
“Don’t underestimate what you’re doing,” mentioned Schade. “It’s a significant issue. It happens fast. You don’t realize it sneaks up on you, and you might think you feel okay, but you’re really not.”
Unfried thinks if this know-how was out there 38 years in the past, it’d’ve made a distinction in her sister’s case. Until adjustments come, she mentioned she’ll maintain pushing for motion.
“It’s a passion, and I will never stop fighting to save lives,” mentioned Unfried.