A powerful plea for change echoed through the halls of the Washington Senate as families affected by impaired driving shared their heart-wrenching stories during a public hearing on Senate Bill 5067. This proposed legislation aims to lower the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08 to 0.05, a move supporters argue could save lives and prevent tragedies like those they have endured.

Rich, a grieving father, recounted the devastating loss of his 12-year-old son, Gabriel, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver. "Impaired driving is a 100% preventable," he stated, emphasizing the need for stricter laws to protect families from similar heartache. He urged lawmakers to support SB 5067, highlighting that a 19-year-old should never have been able to drive intoxicated at such high speeds.

Ashley Bonas, who lost her sister Stacy to an impaired driver, echoed this sentiment. She described Stacy as a beacon of kindness and a dedicated teacher whose life was cut short by a preventable act. "This was not an accident. This was a choice," Ashley declared, passionately advocating for the bill as a means to honor her sister's legacy and prevent further loss.

The emotional testimonies underscored the urgent need for legislative action. With Washington experiencing a 41% increase in drunk driving deaths since 2019, advocates argue that lowering the BAC limit is a crucial step toward making roads safer. They contend that even a small reduction in the legal limit can significantly impact public safety, as impairment begins well below the current threshold.

As the hearing concluded, the message was clear: families like Rich's and Ashley's are fighting not just for their loved ones, but for a future where no one has to endure the pain of losing someone to impaired driving. The proposed SB 5067 stands as a beacon of hope for change, aiming to prevent further tragedies and save lives on the road.