DUI task force progresses policy suggestions for Governor

CHEYENNE–The Governor’s Leadership Team on Driving Under the Influence has identified 16 key recommendations for reducing impaired driving on Wyoming roads, which the group is now integrating into a plan to present to Gov. Dave Freudenthal in September, says Leadership Team Co-Facilitator Rich Lindsey of Laramie.

“Wyoming needs to take a systemic view of substance-impaired driving, and this plan will give the Governor a big-picture way to look at the problem,” said Lindsey.

“We realize there is often good reason to leave policy decisions to the most local level possible, but sometimes a statewide approach is the only way to ensure progress. Just like it is a good idea to set highway speed limits at the state level, it is a good idea to set DUI policy at the state level,” Lindsey continued.

The Leadership Team brings together stakeholders and advocates from across the state, with representation from law enforcement, the liquor industry, family of those killed by impaired drivers, prevention specialists and those in the legal system. They developed the 16 key recommendations from a larger palate of ideas the Leadership Team had identified.

The recommendations span the lifecycle of impaired driving, from prevention to enforcement to rehabilitation to prevention of repeat offenses.

“We are confident these 16 specific ideas will provide the Governor a firm platform with which to engage with stakeholders to reform DUI policy in Wyoming. The Leadership Team is now going to take some time to refine these items into a substantive policy the Governor can act on,” Lindsey said.