No accident has hit as close to home for Jim Blaine as a 1970 wreck that killed his sister. The man responsible killed four people and had a blood alcohol level two times the legal limit. Blaine has organized an effort to keep drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. Missouri state legislators are trying to amend a law that would come down harder on drivers who kill while driving drunk.
Current law states that a person is charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The felony carries a prison sentence of up to seven years. Legislators, however, are seeking to amend the charge to vehicular manslaughter which would carry a sentence of anywhere from five to 15 years. The law also tries to keep those under the influence of alcohol off the streets. Now adults may not refuse a breath test if they are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. However, a minor may refuse the test and no action will be taken against them.