Annie’s Law moves forward with approval by the Ohio House lawmakers. The law is targeted toward stopping repeat DUI offenders from getting behind the wheel and driving drunk again.
Annie’s Law, named after the Cincinnati native that was killed by a repeat drunk driver, requires Ohio OVI offenders to pass a breathalyzer. The law found approval by Ohio legislators and will move to the Senate and then the governor’s desk for approval.
The namesake for which the law is named for was hit and killed by a drunk driver in 2013 while riding her bike in Chillicothe. The driver that killed her had a blood-alcohol level that was twice the legal limit. In addition, the driver had been arrested for drunk driving three times before he got behind the wheel again intoxicated, this time hitting the girl.
According to Annie’s brother, the driver was going 80 mph with no lights on at dusk.
The family has been trying to get Annie’s Law passed for three years. If passed, the law would require ignition interlock devices in vehicles owned by individuals that have been charged with DUI. This would require the repeat offenders to pass a Breathalyzer to operate their vehicles.
Annie’s Law would also require that a camera is placed in the vehicle to record who is blowing into the Breathalyzer as well as GPS to keep tabs on the vehicle.
Annie’s law is expected to pass the Senate this summer and be signed into law by Gov. John Kasich this coming fall.
If you or someone you know has been hurt by a DUI driver, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Contact the Law Offices of Richard M. Lewis for your consultation today. We can help you through this difficult time with our knowledge of personal injury law.