According to a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission report released in February, the number of fatal motorcycle crashes caused by alcohol increased by 36% between 2019 and 2023.
A recent measure, however, would increase the penalty for drunk drivers throughout the state, which might lower the number of fatalities.
One family expressed their desire for no one else to experience the agony of losing a loved one in a DUI collision.
While crossing a street in South Nashville last November, Keanna Morris was struck by a driver who was apparently intoxicated. Morris was vivacious, an avid churchgoer, and a social butterfly, according to her family.
“She loved traveling. Friends, family, anytime anybody wanted to take a trip, she was like, ‘I’m in,’” Keanna’s mother, Karla Dockery-Morris stated.
The 33-year-old mother of two had a shattered leg, several pelvic fractures, and a separated spine at the neck. A day later, according to her family, she passed away from her wounds.
“It was just like a train hit her,” Dockery-Morris stated. “I still can’t process it. I’m miserable. You can’t wish this on your worst enemy.”
According to the police, Donna Matlock was driving. Matlock reportedly failed three sobriety tests, and authorities reported discovering open alcohol containers in the vehicle.
According to reports, she also admitted to using cocaine and drinking three or four beers.
Shortly after, Matlock was taken into custody on misdemeanor accusations of third DUI and financial responsibility for damage or death. The family of Morris referred to it as an injustice.
“I think they need to do more,” Dockery-Morris stated. “I don’t want nobody [sic] to have to go through this again.”
The penalty for driving while intoxicated could be increased by a new measure currently pending in the legislature.
It would reduce from 20% to 15% the minimum blood alcohol content required to be charged with aggravated vehicular murder and assault.
As a Class A felony, aggravated vehicular homicide carries a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison.
In addition to having a history of DUI, BUI, or vehicular assault convictions, a person must have a blood alcohol content of 0.20% or greater at the time of the death of another person while driving.
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In Tennessee, aggravated vehicular assault is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Aggravated vehicular assault is the charge for anyone who drives with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.20% and causes serious bodily harm to another person.
Additionally, they need to have a history of DUI or BUI convictions.
During one discussion, Rep. Ron Gant (R-Piperton) stated that the bill would send a strong message, one of several occasions lawmakers had considered it.
“It provides law enforcement with a stronger legal framework to address and prosecute egregiously impaired driving,” Gant stated.
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Morris’ mother informed that justice might have been served if this law had been in effect at the time of Morris’ murder. According to Dockery-Morris, the family aspires to justice eventually.
Dockery-Morris remarked, “[Matlock] gets to go be with her kids.” “My family is not together, but I have sons and two other daughters.”
The Senate has already approved the bill. The bill will be discussed by the House Judiciary Committee on April 2.
This Information has been sourced from wkrn.
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