Quentin Williams : Reducing Impaired Driving: Transportation Committee Proposes Concepts

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Transportation Committee Takes Action to Reduce Impaired Driving in Connecticut

Following a series of high-profile DUI incidents involving members of the General Assembly last year, as well as the ongoing issue of driving-under-the-influence cases and fatalities in Connecticut, the Transportation Committee is taking steps to combat the problem. The committee recently voted unanimously to raise a slate of legislative concepts aimed at reducing impaired driving and preventing wrong-way crashes.

Committee co-chair Sen. Christine Cohen, D-Guilford, discussed the various measures that will be considered to address the issue. These include implementing more signage and equipment to prevent and track wrong-way drivers, lowering the state’s blood-alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05, and providing police with a way to test motorists for cannabis in their blood.

The prevalence of impaired driving in Connecticut is a significant concern. According to the 2023 census, the state has a population of 3.61 million residents. A recent report from the Office of Legislative Research revealed that nearly 180 million mini-liquor bottles, commonly known as “nips,” were sold in Connecticut over the past two years. Despite a decrease in DUI cases during the pandemic, there were still 9,302 cases in FY22-23, an increase from 8,390 before the pandemic in FY18-19.

The General Assembly was personally affected by the problem last year. In January 2023, Middletown Democrat Quentin Williams tragically died in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver on Route 9. Both drivers had blood-alcohol levels above the legal limit and THC in their systems. Then, in March, Rep. Robin Comey, D-Branford, was charged with a DUI following a rollover crash near the state Capitol. In November, Rep. Geoff Luxenberg, D-Manchester, also faced DUI charges.

Wrong-way crashes, which often result in fatalities, are a particular concern. The state Department of Transportation has taken steps to address this issue, including installing new warning signage at approximately 700 highway off-ramps. In addition to traditional signs, electronic signage has been set up on highways to warn motorists of approaching wrong-way drivers. Technology has been added to 19 high-risk off-ramps to trigger notifications to State Police when a vehicle passes through going the wrong way. The DOT plans to equip 120 more locations with this technology by the end of 2024.

To further deter impaired driving, Sen. Cohen proposes lowering Connecticut’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Utah is the only other state with a 0.05 limit, and they saw a decline in crashes and fatalities after implementing the change. Cohen emphasizes that this is about deterrence rather than increasing arrests for driving under the influence. Lowering the BAC limit would make individuals think twice before getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Given the recent legalization of cannabis, the committee also aims to address the issue of driving under the influence of THC. Cohen suggests discussing legislation that would allow police to conduct blood or saliva tests for THC. Enforcement capabilities and the details surrounding cannabis legalization are important considerations in developing this legislation.

The Transportation Committee’s efforts to combat impaired driving in Connecticut are crucial to ensuring the safety of residents on the roadways. By implementing measures such as increased signage, lowering the BAC limit, and testing for THC, the committee aims to reduce the number of impaired drivers and prevent wrong-way crashes. These initiatives will contribute to creating a safer environment for all motorists in the state..