To: President Donald Trump, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate
Protecting the unprotected pedestrians, cyclists and auto occupants
Knowing that many hit-and-run drivers leave the scene and do not help victims because they are under the influence: Congress should enact a law that withholds federal highway funds from any state that does not require motor vehicle accident parties to be drug/alcohol tested within an hour of an accident. The implication of evasion of the law will be considered a felony with increased penalties for the crime (whether it be injury, manslaughter, property damage or all)...in memory of Lanie: www.lanie.me
Why is this important?
I need some one who has drafted legislation to address this travesty of justice. My niece Lanie was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Richmond while riding her bike home from work on Jul 29. My sister, whose youngest was taken away at age 24, and her two sisters are devastated.
The hit-and-run driver showed up six days later, sober and sorry. I'm sorry, after looking at his vehicle and the damage from the collision–he fled the scene knowing what he did. His dad is a prominent attorney (for DUI no less) and they are talking about change of venue and unfair media coverage.
When I saw a picture of the vehicle (all of the evidence has trickled out) I became outraged. This kid (30, but I question his maturity level) has gotten away with manslaughter. We need a law in Virginia and other states that penalizes hit-and-run drivers that don't submit to a drug/alcohol test within hours of the crime. Meaning they are presumed guilty of driving under the influence if they do not submit, and thus stiffer jail sentences (and hopefully less bail availability).
Ironclad it for Congress by with-holding federal highway funds from the "good-old-boy" states like Virginia that protect their network.
www.lanie.me has more information. If you can wait until tomorrow after reviewing, that is fine. Thank you, her Uncle Tim