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Ward Bill Toughens DWI Laws

(JUNEAU) - Sen. Jerry Ward (R-Kenai) introduced a bill today that would increase the penalties for individuals who choose to drink and drive in Alaska.

"Operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol is a major problem in Alaska and can no longer be tolerated," said Ward. "Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has show that lowering the legal blood alcohol content to .08 decreases the number of fatal drunk-driving accidents, so I have drafted this bill to change our state's legal limit."

Senate Bill 177 would lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for those operating a motor vehicle from .10 to .08, and would increase the fine for first time offenders to $1250. The limit would be further lowered to .04 for individuals who have already accrued one prior DWI conviction. Second time offenders would lose their driving privileges for life and pay even higher fines.

"Drunk drivers have heard the warnings for years and have ignored them," said Ward. "This zero-tolerance law will hold them accountable for there actions."

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Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement for SB 177
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 104 K

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| Sen. Ward's Page |

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