NEW MEXICO’S POLICIES ON DRUNK DRIVING AREN’T WORKING. THAT FROM LINDA ATKINSON WITH ALBUQUERQUE’S DWI RESOURCE CENTER IN LIGHT OF THE LEVI MANUELITO CASE. THE 57 YEAR OLD SHIPROCK MAN RECENTLY HAD HIS 15TH DRUNK DRIVING ARREST. ATKINSON SAYS IT’S TOO EASY FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS TO GET ACCESS TO A VEHICLE.
ATKINSON SAYS YOU CAN STILL BUY A VEHICLE IN NEW MEXICO REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE OR NOT. SHE SAYS THAT’S ONE ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
ATKINSON SAYS THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT DRUNK DRIVING IS TO HAVE MEANINGFUL SANCTIONS…BUT WITH SO MANY REPEAT OFFENDERS IT’S CLEAR THAT’S NOT HAPPENING.
