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Sponsor Statement for HB 200
Drunk Driving
Victims Remembrance Day

An Act establishing July 3 as Drunk Driving Victims Remembrance Day.

On July 3, 2000, an Anchorage man with six previous drunk driving convictions was allegedly driving drunk when he struck and killed Jessie Withrow. Jessie, a college student, was riding her bike down the sidewalk on Minnesota Drive when she was hit. Jessie's death is just one tragedy in a numerous string of drunk driving deaths that occurred throughout the state last year.

By establishing July 3rd as Drunk Driving Victims Remembrance Day, we create a day when drunk driving victims like Jessie, and others, can be remembered. July 3rd has been chosen by Mothers Against Drunk Driving because it was the day of Jessie's death, and because it is right before a major summer holiday when Alaskans are more susceptible to drinking and driving accidents.

Alaska will be the first state in the union to establish a day devoted to commemorating the individuals who died as a result of a traffic accident involving a drunk driver. Drinking and driving has reached epidemic proportions in our state. By establishing a Drunk Driving Victims Remembrance Day, we hope to bring awareness to this problem, and help prevent future victims of drunk driving.

The committee urges your support of this bill.

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