New legislation in Madison hopes to address the accountability of drunk drivers.
One of the people leading the cause for this is Sheila Lockwood.
TMJ4 has spoken to her multiple times over the years since she lost her son Austin at the hands of a drunk driver back in 2018.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Christmas or birthday, or Monday or Friday. It’s a day without seeing his face and without hearing his voice and no amount of time heals that,” said Lockwood.
The man responsible for Austin’s death was convicted and sent to jail for three years, less than half of the time Sheila has been without her son.
“So many times people think that it’s over once the trial is over, when somebody maybe spends a little bit of time in jail, and it’s not,” said Lockwood.
One of the lawmakers behind the bill, State Senator Jesse L. James, says he understands money can’t fill the void of a lost loved one, but can potentially ease the burden on those left behind.
“Losing a prominent member of the family is a tragedy and adjustment in any circumstance. But losing your parent through an unexpected accident has ripple effects that can last a lifetime,” said State Sen. James.