New Law Increases Drunk Driving Penalty in Oklahoma

Under legislation recently signed into law in Oklahoma, a drunk driver who caused an accident resulting in great bodily harm could face a maximum of 10 years in prison.

House Bill 2568, by state Rep. Harold Wright, increases the current five-year maximum sentence for personal injury accidents involving a DUI that result in great bodily harm.

“A five-year maximum sentence for crippling someone for the rest of their lives is not my idea of justice,” said Wright (R-Weatherford). “Increasing the maximum penalty ensures that prosecutors can pursue an appropriate penalty, according to the severity of the crime. I also hope it will further deter this dangerous practice of driving under the influence.”

More than 3,000 injuries took place in Oklahoma in 2010 as a result of drunk driving, according to data from the National Highway Safety Administration and the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.

“It’s a top cause of deaths and of severe injuries, here in the state and nationally,” Wright said. “We have to do what we can to address it.”

Source: Oklahoma House of Representatives

Topics Legislation Personal Auto Oklahoma