Download: RSS | Email Alerts | Mobile
Print this Story
Set Text Size SmallSet Text Size MediumSet Text Size LargeSet Text Size X-Large

New law protects kids with DUI drivers

Reported by: Keidron Dotson
Email: dotson@kjrh.com
Last Update: 7/03/2009 7:36 am

The faces represent a rainbow of backgrounds.

Mothers, fathers, children all dead from the actions of drunk drivers.

The picture of a smiling 16-year-old sits top right.

Liz Gifford's son, Greg Gifford was killed by a drunk driver while returning to Tulsa from Oklahoma City in 1997.

She now organizes Mother Against Drunk Driving.

A day doesn't go by that I don't think about my child and I am coming up to the 13th anniversary and it's still difficult for me," said Gifford.

In a four year span officials say 68 percent all children killed in alcohol-related crashes were riding with adults intoxicated above the legal limit of .08.

But no laws punished those adults with child endangerment as a felony.

Until now.

"It's amazing to know there was no law protecting kids in this instance. It's hard to even fathom," said parent Stephanie Shumaker.

Senate Bill 1138 punishes DUI drivers with children in the car with a $5,000 dollar fine and up to four years in prison.

Dozens of area law enforcement officers gathered Wednesday announcing strong enforcement.

Especially over the fourth of July weekend.

"I am convinced this is the most precious gift in our state. If this bill can save one child it will be worth all the hard work," said state senator Mary Easley who wrote the bill.

State legislators say the hard work is for victims like Gregg Gifford.

Plus thousands of others who lost their lives in a tragic ending.






That April 15th deadline for filing your taxes is just weeks away
Getting in a rush could mean missing out on valuable tax credits Video Video
Taking the stress out of tax season
With less than a month until the deadline for filing 2009 taxes some people may be feeling some panic Video Video
Orange Barrel Road Construction Update (03/15)
This week we're updating you on four of the largest projects in Tulsa
Homestead exemption deadline
If you're a homeowner, have your filed for your homestead exemption? It can save you some cash on your property taxes every year. But if you haven't, you have until next Monday to get your paperwork in to your county assessor's office.
"Miracle" Home Makeover
Several life changing events lead a Muskogee mom to the verge of losing her rundown and dangerous home. But a long time friend brought together the people who helped give the family home what they call a miracle makeover.
  This site is hosted and managed by Inergize Digital.