Spokane
County DUI Victims Panel
Changing
Attitudes and Saving Lives through
Sharing
Experiences and Dispelling Myths about Impaired Driving.
Alcohol
accounts for one death every 30 minutes.
For
every DUI, an estimated 2,000 are not caught.
What
is it about?
More
impaired drivers enter the criminal justice system than any other type
of offender.
This
provides a meaningful and effective option for courts, offenders, and
the community.
The
DUI Victims Panel brings together victims and offenders in a setting
which compels the
offenders
to hear about the terrible losses people suffer as a result of impaired
driving.
This
encounter is thought to evoke a powerful and lasting impression in the
offender about the
harm
of impaired driving, thereby leading to a change in attitude.
Who
Speaks
Victims
describe their lives before and after the impaired driving event.
Survivors
describe the effects of their altered lives and the tragedy of the many
losses they
experience
due to resulting injuries or fatalities.
Offenders
often share about the financial, legal, medical, and family fallout
caused by these
preventable
incidents.
Who
Attends
Court
referred participants charged with:
Driving
While License Suspended, Driving While Intoxicated, Deferred
Persecution, Minor in
Possession,
Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, Physical Control, Hit and Run.
Excerpts
from Victim's Stories
"I
looked over at my husband and I... I... I knew he was dead."
"The
last words I ever heard my child say were "I wuv you, mommy."
"I
still pick up the phone to call Dad and Mom... I've even dialed the
number and then... I realize they're gone. They're gone. Forever."
"She'll
never get to finish her life, to graduate, go to college, marry, or have
children."
Excerpts
from Offenders
"I
was very nervous about coming here but thanks for giving me and
incentive to stay sober."
"I
don't feel so bad about my punishment now... at least I can keep on with
my life...not like some of the people who had every thing change."
"Thank
you, you have changed my life. I never want to hurt an innocent
person."
Ways
you can help
Share
as a Speaker
Be
a Court-Watcher
Utilize
Speakers Bureau
Volunteer
at the panels with sign ups
Receive
more information at GSSAC's Prevention Center at 509-922-8383
Special
Thanks to
Local
Law Enforcement
Spokane
County Sheriff's Office
Spokane
Police Department
Mothers
Against Drunk Driving
Spokane
County Commissioners
Spokane
County Traffic
Safety
Commission
And...
...to
the many volunteers who have given their time and passion toward the
goal of reducing the preventable tragedy of injury, personal property
damage, and death due to impaired driving.
SPOKANE
COUNTY DUI VICTIMS PANEL is a program
of the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council's (GSSAC) Prevention
Center in Partnership with Spokane County Traffic Safety Commission.
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