DRIVERS could be looking at a bold new consequence for recklessness behind the wheel.
Rash drivers could be facing $100s in monthly fees for years if the new law goes into effect.
An Alabama lawmaker proposed legislation that would force drunk drivers to pay monthly fees[/caption]
Convicted drivers would provide child support if the car accident resulted in the death of a parent[/caption]
The proposed crash law would force drunk or impaired drivers to provide child support for any car accident that resulted in the death of a parent.
The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed action last week after the Alabama Senate committee considered the legislation, as reported by the Alabama Reflector.
The crash law, sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr, would require drivers convicted of a DUI to pay monthly child support for kids whose parents they killed in a drunk driving crash until they’re 19 years old.
“The premise is to make sure we take care of the minor children that are left behind if the breadwinner is killed,” Orr said.
“Well, if it will prevent DUIs (driving under the influence), to know how serious we are about it.”
Currently, drunk driving that results in a death is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, according to Alabama law.
With the new crash law, those convicted of the Class C felony would provide child support in addition to any other restitution for the crime.
Under the proposed law, courts would consider the financial needs and resources of the surviving children as well as the standard of living of the family, the physical and emotional needs of the children, and educational considerations.
Opponents of the law have said the penalty could create unnecessary or questionable relationships between victims of the crash and the accused driver.
“I don’t know if we want to go that route,” Senator Greg Albritton said.
“I can see creative lawyers using that in that way.”
After listening to the concerns, Orr moved to delay a vote on the legislation.
Other states have passed a similar law known as Bentley’s Law, which was spearheaded by Missouri resident Cecilia Williams.
The law was named after Williams’ grandson, Bentley, whose parents and their son were killed in a devastating crash in 2021.
What is Bentley's Law?
Bentley’s Law is a proposed or enacted law (depending on the state), that requires impaired drivers who cause the death of a parent to pay child support for the victim’s surviving children until they turn 18. The law is named after a child of Cecelia Williams, whose family was killed in a drunk driving accident. It was designed to provide financial support to surviving children and hold drunk drivers accountable. Over a dozen states are now considering some version of Bentley’s Law.
“Bentley’s Law was created out of a tragedy that has affected the lives of two beautiful boys, Bentley and Mason, and the lives of our family. These crashes are totally preventable, and I will continue to fight for change for all who have suffered from impaired drivers. Many families like mine suffer such a loss every second of every day, and Bentley’s Law will bring change to hold the offender accountable for such horrific actions,” said Cecilia Williams.
Source: Mothers Against Drunk Driving
“Bentley’s Law was created out of a tragedy that has affected the lives of two beautiful boys, Bentley and Mason, and the lives of our family,” Wlliams said.
“These crashes are totally preventable, and I will continue to fight for change for all who have suffered from impaired drivers.”
“Many families like mine suffer such a loss every second of every day, and Bentley’s Law will bring change to hold the offender accountable for such horrific actions.”
Bentley’s law was first introduced in Missouri and required convicted drivers to pay child support to any surviving children whose parents were killed in a drunk driving incident.
Versions of Bentley’s Law have been introduced in more than twelve states now.
