[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 8 (Tuesday, February 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       INTRODUCTION OF JOHN'S LAW

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                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2005

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, we will soon observe the fifth anniversary 
of the tragic death of one of my constituents. U.S. Navy Ensign John 
Elliott, who had just received his commission to Naval Flight School in 
Pensacola, Florida, was struck and killed by a drunk driver on July 22, 
2000. The accident instantly killed Elliot and seriously injured his 
passenger, Kristen Hohenwarter.
  Sadly, it was later discovered that the driver responsible for 
Elliott's death had been arrested for drunken driving earlier that 
evening. Having called for a ride, he was picked up by a friend and 
returned to his car. Elliott was on his way home for his mother's 
birthday party when he crossed paths with the intoxicated driver.
  Nearly 5 years after that tragic accident, his parents continue the 
fight to save other families from the grief they have endured. Lobbying 
the New Jersey State Legislature, the Elliott's saw to fruition the 
drafting, passage and ultimate enactment of John's Law. The law ensures 
that individuals who pick up an arrested driver sign a document 
accepting custody. Additionally, it gives State Police the 
authorization to impound the automobile of an arrested driver for up to 
12 hours.
  Today, I am introducing legislation to encourage all states to enact 
legislation to require law enforcement officers to impound motor 
vehicles of those charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). The 
legislation would make states that adopt DWI vehicle impoundment 
programs eligible to receive federal grant funds under the existing 
Alcohol Impaired Countermeasures Program to help defray costs.
  We are making important strides to eliminate the senseless deaths 
caused by the lethal mix of alcohol and automobiles. Annual deaths from 
drinking and driving have decreased from approximately 28,000 in 1980 
to 16,068 in 2000. In 1982, 57 percent of all traffic fatalities were 
alcohol-related. In 2000, that percentage fell to 38 percent. However, 
much work remains to be done. Each death is a preventable one and I am 
sure this resolution will go a long way in ensuring deaths like Ensign 
Elliott's are prevented and families are saved from the pain the 
Elliotts and other families across the nation have endured.
  I urge my colleagues in the House to support this legislation.

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