My Favorite Mother Against Drunk Driving - Ann McGuigan

Unfortunately today's big DUI story in Virginia involves a tragic loss of life. Back in December, 19 year old Matthew Shobe was killed in a single vehicle accident in Augusta County. The driver of the vehicle, 17 year old Brennan J. Daly, was charged with DUI after allegedly providing a breath sample that registered 0.09% BAC - barely over the 0.08% limit for adult (21+) DUIs in Virginia , but well over the 0.02% limit for a "baby DUI".

Matthew Shobe's mother was understandably heartbroken over the loss of her son, as any mother would be. Although the devastating result of this DUI resulted in tremendous pain and suffering for her, she has exhibited notable moral courage in response. Rather than calling for her son's friend to be locked up and institutionalized in one of our stellar (?) juvenile incarceration facilities, Ms. McGuigan sought lenience from the court rather than revenge.

In a letter to the Court, she stated "I do not want anymore lives hurt because of this accident.” Her approach should be commended. Rather than taking the vengeance based path endorsed by MADD, she has taken a compassionate approach. In my opinion, MADD is devoid of moral courage. I feel that the organization is nothing more than a business that seeks to profit from the misery that can be caused by drunk driving. I'm sure Ms. McGuigan knows that Mr. Daly will always carry the guilt of his friend's death. Even though his passenger provided the alcohol that contributed to this fatal accident, it will follow him throughout the rest of his life and affect him long after any jail sentence would have ended.

I wish more mothers against drunk driving had the character displayed by Ann McGuigan. She has displayed the ability to forgive another mother's child. Regardless of how many people we lock up for drunk driving, the consequences of mixing alcohol and cars will be with us until we start installing ignition interlocks on every new car. Isn't it time to use our brains rather than our emotions to stamp out drunk driving?