Two bills aimed at reducing drunk driving in New Mexico passed their first stage of legislation Tuesday. If the bills become law, those caught driving while intoxicated for the first time would face three days of jail time or would have to undergo a 30-day community custody program that includes electronic monitoring.
The bills were introduced last year after four Santa Fe teens were killed by a drunk driver.
The bills are aimed at cracking down on first-time DWI offenders, since 70 percent of DWI-caused fatalities in New Mexico are caused this demographic.*
The measures still need to be approved by two more Senate committees before being voted on by the entire state Senate.
While it seems like a no-brainer to get tough on drunk driving, those who oppose say that these measures will just place first-time offenders in already overcrowded jails.
Do you think drunk drivers should have tougher penalties? Should everyone slapped with a DWI face jail time?
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