New law in Texas requires drunk drivers who kill parents to pay child support
The Texas Department of Transportation are attempting to 'prevent these tragic deaths' with their new 'Drive Sober, No Regrets' campaign.
Anish Vij
A welcoming new law in Texas will require drunk drivers who kill a parent in a DWI crash to pay for child support.
For those unaware, a DUI or DWI crash is an accident involving one or more motor vehicles, where at least one driver operating or driving the vehicle is under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs, or are legally intoxicated at the time of the crash.
The new ruling has been backed by the Texas Department of Transportation, who are attempting to 'prevent these tragic deaths' with their new 'Drive Sober, No Regrets' campaign.
Watch below to hear from a drunk driver who regrets their decision 'everyday':
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This comes after last year's announcement by Tennessee, who became the first state to pass 'Bentley’s Law,' which was named after a 5-year-old boy who lost both parents in a crash.
Since Tennessee implemented the new ruling, at least 20 other states have considered or approved a similar law.
The way Texas' new law works is that a judge will determine the amount that a driver must pay with regards to the surviving children’s financial situation prior to the crash.
These payments will be valid until the victim's children will turn 18 or graduate from high school.
If the perpetrator is in prison and unable to pay, they will be required to make payments within a year of being released.
This still qualifies if a child is older than 18 by that time.
Erin Crawford Bowers - a Texas woman who survived a crash that killed her parents nearly 40 years ago - said: "Your family being the next victim and it is one 100 percent preventable. Let that sink in for a minute. It could be you."
Her son, Crawford Bowers, added: "Even though I may not get to shake my grandfather’s hand or give my grandmother a hug and tell her thank you for saving my mom’s life, it is an honor to be named after them and continue their legacy by bringing awareness to the dangers of drunk driving."
The new campaign 'Drive Sober, No Regrets' raises awareness of the issue by sharing 'personal accounts from real offenders and survivors that challenge any notion the audience may have that they can avoid the consequences of drinking and driving'.
"It reinforces the importance of always finding a sober ride and using the many options available. People can designate a driver who has not consumed any amount of alcohol, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, stay where they are, call a friend or family member, or use mass transit," they added.
"Driving under the influence can cost up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time, loss of a driver’s license, significant legal hassles, difficulty finding or keeping a job, loss of trust from loved ones, and a lifetime of regret.
"Drunk drivers claim the lives of hundreds of Texans every year, and spring break can be a particularly deadly time.
"TxDOT's Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is reminding everyone — especially students on spring break — to help prevent these tragic deaths by never driving after drinking any amount of alcohol."
The new law will be take effect on September 1.