Editorial – Feb. 10

Published 12:00 am Saturday, February 10, 2001

A proposed bill to be pushed at the upcoming session of the Louisiana Legislature by Sen. Joel Chaisson and Rep. Gary Smith would add teeth to the existing state law affecting prosecution of driving while intoxicated offenders. Presently, the law allows prosecuting a person for DWI if it can be shown the person is under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance. The amendments, pushed by 29th Judicial District Attorney Harry Morel, say driving while using a drug will itself constitute DWI. In addition, anyone using a prescription medication which impairs their driving ability will also be defined as DWI, according to the amendments. It’s a move directed toward both cracking down on people driving while impaired and making it easier to prosecute them. Anything aimed at improving highway safety should be eagerly supported.

L’Observateur