Wednesday, March 17, 2004 | 8:47 a.m.
I agree with the DUI laws being proposed by Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., and I intend to write my own congressmen about it.
I would suggest Porter consider making the law even tougher by increasing the penalties for driving under the influence of any intoxicating substance, regardless of whether it's drugs or alcohol or too much cold medicine.
Drunken driving stops begin with police officers noticing a problem. No breathalyzer or sobriety test is required to start your car. Once the officer notices a problem and makes a stop, drugged drivers shouldn't be treated any differently than the Washington snipers. I don't see a difference between ploughing a vehicle through the streets and firing a weapon randomly into a crowd.
Any individual must make a conscious decision to become inebriated. They should plan a ride. Until our laws treat this matter seriously, drunks and druggies won't either. Nobody's good time is worth another human life.
JAY HUNTER Pittsburgh
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