A drunk-driving summit is being held today in Jefferson City with participants looking for better ways to keep drunk drivers from getting back on the roads.
The summit called by Governor Nixon will draw together prosecutors, law enforcement officers, judges, anti-drunk driving activists and others. The goal is to start writing new laws that will close the gaps repeat drunk drivers fall through or walk through so they can drive drunk again.
Nixon spokesman Scott Holste says a lot of pieces need to fall into place. “There are a number of players who are part of this,” he says. He expects disagreements within the group. But he says Nixon is looking for a direction the state needs to take.
A St.Louis Post-Dispatch investigation shows many drunk drivers cut deals that let them walk away without a conviction. Some do it several times. While some suggestions have been heard that the issue can be resolved with better enforcement of present laws, Holste says the entire process will be examined to close gaps in the system and in the law.
Holste talks to Bob Priddy 3:23
