House Republican Press Release

April 21, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Scribner Votes to Broaden Alcohol Tests on Accident Survivors

Measure Also Prohibits Participation in Illegal Road Races

HARTFORD- State Representative David Scribner (R-Brookfield) today voted for a bill before the House of Representatives that broadens the circumstances where a surviving driver of a car accident involving serious physical injury or death must give a blood or breath sample to evaluate if the individual was under the influence of alcohol or other substances at the time of the accident.

The bill, HB 5839, requires the driver to give a sample if the individual is charged with a motor vehicle violation by the police regarding the accident and authorities have a reasonable suspicion that he was driving while under the influence of liquor or drugs. Currently the police can require a test from a surviving driver if the officer has probable cause to believe that the driver was driving under the influence.

Current law prohibits driving a motor vehicle on a public highway for purposes of betting, racing, or making a speed record. Provisions of the bill additionally prohibits possessing a motor vehicle under circumstances showing an intent to use it in a prohibited race or event, acting as a starter, timekeeper, judge, or spectator at such a race or event, or betting on the race's or event's outcome. Penalties for a first offense would be punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of $75 to $ 600, or both and  subsequent offenses are punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of $ 100 to $ 1,000, or both.

“The provisions of this bill expand the ability of police officers to test for the possibility of illicit substances contributing to or causing serious motor vehicle accidents,” said Representative Scribner, who serves as Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee.  “The added capacity this gives law enforcement in determining accident causes and being able to properly charge an individual is critical.  Also, the provisions of the bill that address participation in illegal drag racing are common sense, and help to further define the law and create penalties for being a participant in these kinds of irresponsible and dangerous activities.”

The bill passed the House this afternoon and now heads to the Senate for action there.