Bumper stickers eyed for DUI offenders

Drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated who fail to satisfy the conditions of their supervised release could soon be sporting the equivalent of the scarlet letter: a bumper sticker on their vehicles identifying them as DUI offenders.

In Friday morning’s proclamation signing ceremony declaring December as 3D Month, Superior Court associate judge David Wiseman indicated that he is considering the new deterrent on top of the usual penalties that are imposed on DUI offenders in the Commonwealth.

“Although we enforce the penalties, which are harsh and intended to deter potential offenders, it’s not working that well because the message doesn’t get out there,” he said. “I intend to identify a DUI offender by a bumper sticker. So long as it’s reasonably related to the offense and to the rehabilitation and to the protection of public, we could impose any condition on supervised released that fits all of those requirements.”

Wiseman said a DUI offender would be required to attend the AIC class and conduct a presentation to a school class within 30 days of being convicted. The presentation would be monitored and dictated by a probation officer.

“Then you won’t have to do the bumper sticker,” he said.

Wiseman said the placing of the bumper sticker would be implemented if the offender does not comply with these requirements.

“If these two things aren’t done in 30 days, [and] you come back to court for review, then the bumper sticker would go on until such time that you comply with the conditions,” he said.

Wiseman sees the move as another way to deter motorists from driving while intoxicated.

“I think the thought of someone riding around in a car with a sign on the back saying that ‘I am a convicted DUI offender’…it might add a lot of deterrence and the message would get out there. So many people don’t read newspapers, don’t listen to [television] news, and beyond that they don’t get the message, so hopefully this will deter those potential offenders and reduce the danger to public that’s ongoing with alcohol related driving.”

He said several jurisdictions have implemented the bumper sticker deterrent.

Local leaders, Department of Public Safety personnel, and supporters of the Drunk and Driving Prevention campaign participated in Friday’s proclamation signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office.

TRAFFIC FATALITIES ON THE RISE

Traffic related fatalities rose in the past three years, with four recorded in 2002, seven in 2003, and nine so far in 2004. Alcohol related crashes also rose by 4 percent in the United States between 1999 and 2000.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that alcohol was involved in 40 percent of fatal crashes in 2000.

On average, about 45 people die each day in the United States due to drunk driving.

“Unfortunately, the CNMI has contributed to that statistic,” Wiseman said.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who signed the proclamation, urged all motorists to bear in mind the hazards of impaired driving.

“Please slow down when driving and if you are intoxicated, don’t drive at all,” he said. “I urge everyone to be responsible when they drive throughout the year, and especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Don’t let unnecessary tragedy ruin this holiday season for the families and our community.”

Newly confirmed Commissioner of Public Safety Sandy Tudela said the department continues to focus on providing safer roads for motorists and pedestrians.

“Our serious problem every day is drunk drivers who kill our people,” he said. “A drunk driver traveling at 60-70mph is like a stray bullet looking for a target. If it doesn’t get you, and gets the other car next to you, then you’re lucky. Our job at the department is not to make you feel lucky, we want you to be safe every time and everyday you use the highways. If you continue to drive drunk, we will get you.”

3D ACTIVITIES

The 3D committee has arranged several activities throughout the month to raise awareness within the community.

A mini-fair will be held on Dec. 10, beginning with a Road Side Plea at the Garapan Basketball Court area at 5pm. The plea features students and supporters voicing their messages against intoxicated driving, and has been ongoing in past weeks.

The plea will be followed by a march, dubbed as Stride For Life. Participants would march from the Garapan court area along the Beach Road Pathway to the Garapan Fishing Base—the site of the fair—with candles and signs.

A brief opening ceremony will open the fair, which would include a moment of silence for victims of alcohol-related accidents. Family members of victims will also hang an ornament, representing the victim, on the Tree of Life.

Family members of victims are urged to contact the DPS Traffic Section at 664-9084/5.

The fair also features skits relating to the 3D campaign performed by students, as well as live entertainment, among others.

The 3D Santa Claus and his 3D Elves Band, along with 3D members and supporters would also be visiting schools throughout the month promoting their program.

“We want to create an impact statement and remind everybody that the holiday season is a time to have fun and be happy, not to mourn over a lost loved one,” said 3D vice chair Rose T. Ada-Hocog.