PETITION: Comprehensive DUI Reform in Kentucky

Kentucky General Assembly, Senate Judiciary Committee

On an average year, nearly 140 people will be killed in auto crashes across Kentucky involving drunk or drugged drivers. Nearly 20% of auto related fatalities in the Commonwealth are due to drunk or drugged drivers. Just three days before this tragedy, on November 7, 2021, the driver of the vehicle that hit and killed Lily, was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and despite having an extensive criminal history, was simply released from jail within hours on an administrative release and was not required to put up any money towards a bond. That driver would ultimately plead guilty to DUI for that November 7, 2021 arrest.

Before another daughter, son, teacher, pastor, or neighbor is taken from us in a senseless, yet preventable tragedy, Kentucky lawmakers must strengthen DUI laws to deter people from driving while under the influence. We must have stricter punishments and make the necessary investments our police and prosecutors so desperately need.

To: Kentucky General Assembly, Senate Judiciary Committee
From: [Your Name]

Mark and Zoe Fairfield, through their attorney, Danielle Blandford (Morgan & Morgan), have proposed critical changes to Kentucky's DUI laws in Honor of their late daughter and sister, Lily, who was tragically killed in an automobile crash that could have been prevented.

Just three days before this tragedy, on November 7, 2021, the driver of the vehicle that hit and killed Lily, was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and despite having an extensive criminal history, was simply released from jail within hours on an administrative release and was not required to put up any money towards a bond. That driver would ultimately plead guilty to DUI for that November 7, 2021 arrest.

Every year, Kentucky's police officers work tirelessly to keep our roads safe - arresting over 15,000 people for DUI annually. Though, even with their dedication, 140 people on average are killed from drunk or drugged drivers each year. Lily cannot be another statistic and we cannot wait for the next tragedy before we act.

As a legislator, you have a responsibility to ensure our laws uphold public safety, which is why I urge you to immediately pass legislation as proposed by the Fairfield's that would require a minimum jail time for first offense DUIs and also change Kentucky's outdated felony DUI law to consider any DUI after the second offense within ten years a felony crime.