"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Your car can be a murder weapon.
Don't think so?
Well,ask the family of someone killed by a drunk driver.
The tragedies that come with drinking and driving once again became real last year.
17-year old Laura Fortenberry was killed.
Police charged Howard Pasour -- a THREE time convicted D-W-I offender.
We were outraged.
Laura's mother was crushed.
Michelle Armstrong said she was determined to make her daughter's death mean something.
Now, fast forward to the recently-proposed bill, "Laura's Law."
With Michelle's backing, Laura's Law was created to crack down on repeat drunk drivers.
It gives them more jail time, imposes stiffer fines and puts alcohol ankle monitoring bracelets on for longer.
Last week "Laura's Law" passed a key house committee.
It's one step closer to being law.
We are inspired by Michelle Armstrong's determination to turn her own daughter's death into something with lasting results.
We praise Michelle for moving beyond her sadness to create a positive tribute.
The rest of us can do something minor in comparison...
Write to your state legislature.
Let them know "Laura's Law" is important and you want it passed.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
