There’s a new Tennessee law obligating drunk drivers involved in crashes to pay child support to the children of their victims. The law has tried for years to install deterrents against people who insist on driving under the influence.
Who Does The Law Affect?
The new law affects people involved in vehicular homicide of any kind including aggravated vehicular homicide fueled by intoxication. They’ll pay child support if their victims’ children are minors since they’ve taken their ability to perform their duty.
Becoming The Financial Guardian Until 18
Although the law was passed last year, it came into force at the beginning of this year. The law obligates them to see the children through school until they become legal at 18.
When Is It Too Much Alcohol In Tennessee?
The Tennessee Drunk Driving Law covers non-commercial drivers aged 21 and above with blood alcohol levels at .08+, while commercial drivers have stricter rules of .04 blood alcohol levels. Minors (people under 21) have the strictest requirements of maintaining a blood alcohol level of .02 or less.
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The Civilians Behind The Law
It took civilians with personal experiences with drunk drivers to kickstart the law’s first draft. Cecilia Williams teamed up with a private group, Mothers Against Drunk Driving after losing her son to a drunk driving accident.
Raising Her Grandchildren Alone
Williams had to raise her two grandchildren alone when a drunk driver killed her son and his partner. A news outlet reported the organization’s regional director, Alex Otte , emphasized the multiple lives affected by such accidents.
All The Affected People
Otte said drunk drivers subject extended family members to unexpected expenses when they become caretakers of the surviving children.
Nicholas Galinger’s Case
As people impacted by the law, the lawmakers named the Tennessee Drunk Driving law after Chattanooga Police Officer, Nicholas Galinger’s children.
The Hurt Never Ends
Years later, his father, Barry told the local news station that the hurt never goes away. He said people grieving shouldn’t ever believe when others say it’ll go away.
Galinger Petitioned For The New Law
Galinger was part of the people who petitioned for the law as he wanted the children to always have someone to care for them. The older man said, “Hopefully, it won’t be the end.”
The Ethan, Hailey, And Bentley Law
Galinger’s children, Ethan, Hailey, and Bentley, have the privilege of being the name of the law to preserve their father’s memory and acknowledge their grandfather’s fight.
‘Not Guilty’ Plea
Another family lost two members last Christmas to drunk driving but the culprit, Patricke Conley, pled not guilty to all counts levied against him.
The First Person Tried Under The New Law
His case is still in court but if he’s convicted, he’ll be the first person obligated to pay child support under the new law.
The Christmas Day Crash
Conley’s new wards would be the Dillard children, Dustin and Brittany, both minors. They lost their parents last Christmas when Conley crashed his car into theirs on U.S. Highway 64.
The Survivors
The crash killed Brittany, a 33-year-old high school teacher, and her 33-year-old husband, Dustin, on impact. The three children were in the backseat but didn’t die with their parents. Instead, they survived with injuries.
