Governor Susana Martinez And Others Push For Tougher Drunk Driving Penalties

Gov. Susana Martinez and members of the Legislature, alongside Mothers Against Drunk Driving and families of victims of drunk drivers, intend to pursue new measures to crack down on repeat DWI offenders in New Mexico, according to Martinez’s spokesman.

?It is shocking and sad to hear about drivers who have been convicted of their 10th, 12th or 14th DWI still driving on New Mexico roads,? said Martinez. ?Their vehicle is a deadly weapon, and our penalties do not currently match the level of danger they pose to our families.?

The stricter measures that are being pushed include a vehicle seizure program that is already being used in Albuquerque, that would be enforced statewide. Increased penalties for repeat offenders would also be part of the new strategy, as well as longer sentences for those who repeatedly drink and drive.

According to Martinez’s spokesman, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and New Mexico Department of Transportation work hand in hand throughout the year to enforce New Mexico?s DWI laws and keep the roads and highways safe.

Even with the progress New Mexico has made in reducing DWI fatalities, MADD executive director Lora Lee Ortiz said it’s still important to increase penalties on repeat offenders.

?I work every day with families whose lives are turned upside down because someone who has been drinking makes the irresponsible decision to get behind the wheel. One child?s death at the hands of a drunk driver, one family devastate, is one too many, and that?s why we?re supporting these significant efforts to stop repeat DWI offenders,? said Ortiz.

Martinez also stressed the community effort it takes to curb drunk driving, and also that during the upcoming holiday weekend that officers would be vigilant in drunk driving enforcement.

“Friends and family should take care of one another and not allow someone who has been drinking to get behind the wheel, and just as our state?s officers will be out in force, designated drivers should be as well.?

Martinez outlined the bills as priorities for the 2011 session, but they were not approved by the Legislature. In the upcoming year, representatives Conrad James and Tim Lewis plan to carry the pieces of legislation in general session.