Ignition Interlocks could have saved David West
David West, 29, made a fatal mistake. He rode in the car driven by one of his best friend’s younger brother, who had more than three times the illegal limit of alcohol in his blood. The driver’s blood alcohol level (BAC) measured .247 when he lost control and hit a tree. David’s body and that of another friend were ejected from the car. David was killed. The friend survived the crash with injuries. The date was January 14, 2006, David’s only sister’s birthday.
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David West
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Beth West, David’s mother, describes him as “the sense of humor of our family – always laughing and happy go lucky.” An ironworker who was especially proud of being a union member, David was also extremely proud of having helped build important structures around the state, including the University of Oregon football stadium.
Jacob, Dan ,David, and Lori
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“MADD and Ann were Godsends,” says Beth. “If it hadn’t been for MADD I don’t know if this case would ever have been prosecuted. And I don’t know if we would have survived without MADD.” MADD’s team was instrumental throughout every hearing, the trial, advised her when to leave the room to avoid hearing unthinkable details of the crash, helped write the victim impact statement, and supported the West family through countless phone calls and personal visits.
MADD Victim Advocate Ann Pratt was so helpful to the West family that she inspired Beth to want to help others. Dan West, David’s brother, and Beth both currently serve as trained victim advocates for MADD. Beth has devoted her time to others while she’s been unable to return to work since the crash. Dan’s employer has given him time off to go to court with the victims/survivors he helps. “It seemed the right thing to do,” she says. “I can’t imagine not doing it. People thank me for being there for them, and I want to thank them for being there for me.
The West Family
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The West family has also created a MADD Community Action Site in Douglas County recently, as a way to repay the MADD Eugene Affiliate Office for supporting the Wests since David’s death. The site’s first goal is to support local law enforcement officers as they help stop drunk driving. Group members will also provide support to victims/survivors and help raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
The West family is very close, and especially grateful for the life of a new baby born November 27, just three days before David’s birthday. Family is what got Beth through the ordeal of David’s death. Her three children and six grandchildren remind her of the special times the family had outdoors with David. He loved the coast, fishing, hunting and golfing – “an all-round he-man” as Beth says.
The car signs that David's brother designed after David was killed are now being used all across the US, including Hawaii.
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Sentenced in September, 2007 to 15 years and 8 months in jail, the multiple offender in the West crash was convicted of first degree manslaughter, second degree assault and DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants). This was his fourth DUII. He was out on bail pending six felony charges and warrants from another county at the time of the crash. The offender is currently appealing his case.
An ignition interlock installed in the multiple offender’s car could have saved David West’s life. MADD Oregon is currently working with legislators to persuade Oregon to adopt mandatory ignition interlock laws for all convictions, including first-time offenders. If the law had been enacted before the West crash, the device would prevent his truck from starting in the future if the driver’s BAC measured above a detectable level of alcohol.
Fourteen states now enforce laws mandating that a certain class of first-offenders use an interlock. Eight states mandate ignition interlocks for all DUI convictions, including first-time offenders. Six additional states mandate interlocks for high BAC offenders.
MADD is working with other states throughout the nation to pass legislation mandating interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. The offenders pay the cost of the device, and it allows them to continue functioning, driving to work, etc. versus being imprisoned.
