New congressional caucus addresses problem of DUI

Suzanne Struglinski

Wednesday, May 19, 2004 | 12:53 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- A new congressional caucus announced this week, started with the help of two of Nevada's House members, aims to help members educate constituents about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., and Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., announced the creation of the new "Congressional Stop DUI Caucus."

They will lead the caucus along with Rep. Jim DeMint, R-S.C. So far, Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., and Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., along with 14 other members have joined.

Sandy Heverly, executive director of STOP DUI in Nevada, said the time has come for a renewed effort to stop people from driving while drunk.

"We have so many people killed and injured so senselessly," Heverly said.

Heverly, who is also on the board of directors of the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, which supports the caucus, said 45 percent of fatal traffic crashes in Nevada are alcohol-related, the 11th highest in the country. Heverly herself has been hit by a drunken driver on two different occasions, causing injuries to her and members of her family.

"In the time it takes to watch an average movie, four people will die in the U.S. as the result of alcohol-related accidents, and today we are joining together to remind those who drink, please do not get behind the wheel, and to pledge our support for this important new effort," Berkley said.

Porter pointed to the 171 people in Nevada who were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Nevada in 2002.

"These senseless tragedies cut short lives, and destroy families," Porter said. "The Stop DUI Caucus will help to stimulate renewed nationwide action and increase the public's attention to this major public health and safety concern."

Congress has dozens of caucuses, which are formed around a central belief. The the Stop DUI caucus, members will be able to get information about what can be done to prevent driving under the influence to take back to town hall meetings in their districts. Members can also "brainstorm" with members of their communities to see what else needs to be done, such as adoption of stiffer penalties or more education efforts, Heverly said.

"In my mind and in many others' minds it is truly an epidemic," she said. "If it is predictable, it's preventable."

The commission and the National Association of Broadcasters will start a Public Service Announcement campaign to remind people not to drink and drive. Members of the caucus will receive tapes they can make available to people in their districts.

Heverly says many have drunk drivers do it so many times that they develop an "I'm the exception" attitude. But they have really just been lucky, she said.

"It's like taking a gun and shooting at random, you may hit someone, but you may not," she said. "The only different is the weight of the weapon."