Massachusetts is missing out on millions of federal government dollars, and only state lawmakers are to blame. The state’s antiquated drunken driving laws, which are not as strict as federal lawmakers would like, have cost Massachusetts nearly $29 million in funds earmarked for improvements to the state’s infrastructure, according to The Boston Globe. The Statehouse’s failure to update the state’s code, despite efforts by several governors in a row, is unacceptable, and lawmakers should work quickly to bring Massachusetts’ drunken driving laws up to speed.
Under the state’s current legal code, prosecutors must prove that a drunken driver was driving under the influence, even if they fail chemical tests. According to the Globe, the state has failed to qualify for $11 million in incentive grants because of its backward drunken driving laws, and could soon be penalized $5.4 million a year for not updating the laws.
The state’s inability to qualify for the funds should be embarrassing to legislators for two main reasons. First, the federal guidelines make good sense. If someone’s blood alcohol content is proven through chemical tests to exceed the law’s limits, that should be sufficient evidence to convict someone of driving under the influence. BAC limits are set for a reason no further argument should be needed. Drunken driving is extremely dangerous and state lawmakers should be focused on closing loopholes, rather than senselessly leaving them wide open. The state’s reckless drinkers should not be given the chance to flout laws that could save lives.
Second, fixing the state’s laws is a relatively easy move that would not be politically costly to any state legislator. Most people are interested in making the roads safer and preventing people from needlessly endangering others’ lives by drinking before getting behind the wheel. Even more would likely be sold if they knew the state could profit from such an easy move. Those who claim to the contrary are not in touch with reality. Funds for infrastructure improvements are especially important for Massachusetts right now, as the state works to finish the Big Dig and Logan Airport improvements, two projects that have cost the state millions more than expected, before the Democratic National Convention arrives in the city in 2004. These are easily obtainable funds that have been missed.
State legislators must work quickly to update Massachusetts’ outdated drunken driving laws. They have cost the state $29 million to this point and should move fast so they don’t needlessly cost it even more.