Why We're Here: Brian Wood
By MADD | January 9, 2013| 13 Comments | Filed in: Drugged Driving , Victim Stories

On September 3, 2010, Brian Wood was traveling with his wife Erin, who was 7 months pregnant with their first child, to Whidbey Island, Washington.  Brian saw a car heading towards them at about 50 mph in their lane.   Knowing that his car would be struck head on and wanting to protect his pregnant wife and unborn baby, Brian turned his car to the right so that he would take the brunt of the impact.  His action saved Erin and their child, but Brian did not survive the crash. Two passengers of the other vehicle were also killed.

Investigators at the scene found heroin, marijuana, syringes and other drug paraphernalia in the driver’s vehicle, and the driver admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day.  She was charged with causing three deaths and injuries while driving in a reckless manner under the influence of drugs.

Brian’s father Ed Wood began his quest to promote effective laws to reduce drugged driving after hearing the offender’s defense attorney state that “it is not unlawful to drive with illegal drugs in your body.”  Ed has worked with experts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Governors Highway Safety Association, MADD and countless other groups as well as individual experts and consultants to become a recognized leader in promoting effective drug per se laws.  Ed also directs www.deceptionpass3.com, a network of drugged driving victims who join him in the effort to enact effective drugged driving legislation.

In recognition of his efforts, the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy has recognized Ed as an Advocate for Action. 


   

Comments

Submitted by SlipperySlope at 05:05 PM on March 24, 2013
The drug per se laws have no science behind them as they pertain to legally prescribed medications. With alcohol, a driver age 21 and over, can only be charged and convicted if they have a .08 BAC [blood alcohol content] or higher. Anything less is NOT drunk driving. You may not like it, but it is the law in all 50 states. With the drug per se laws, any iota of a legally prescribed medication can mean a drunk driving conviction. That means a driver who is not impaired, can be convicted of DUI ... because it's ANY trace of the medication ... not a minimum amount such as .08 for DUI alcohol. Per se isn't limited to prescribed narcotic medications. It embraces a wide spectrum of medications prescribed for many health conditions. Chances are, you or someone in your family has been "drunk driving" their entire lives under the drug per se laws. I'm troubled that MADD would align itself and promote drug per se laws which have no science behind them. Until research studies and science can prove a measurable amount at which a driver is impaired, the drug per se laws in many states would mean the vast majority of drivers are DUI. Think about it.
Submitted by Jademe at 07:21 AM on March 3, 2013
The state of Victoria, Australia, was the first to introduce compulsory wearing of seat belts, random breath testing for alcohol (.05 maximum) and recently, random testing for drugs. Over a period of 40 years, our annual road toll has been reduced from 1024 to 282 given we have had population growth (currently 5,623,000)and higher number of road trips, over that period. 20% of road deaths are related to drug affected drivers. Changing behaviour takes a commitment by all. Random testing of drivers is not an infringement of civil liberties. It is protecting the innocent from the irresponsible. Do the maths for your state and work out how many lives are being needlessly sacrificed.
Submitted by Chris at 03:03 PM on February 2, 2013
So sorry for all of the families who lost people due to the stupidity of one person. I am especially sorry for Brian's wife and unborn child and hope that they are comforted knowing Brian gave up his life to protect them. He was a stand up guy.
Submitted by chas at 01:25 AM on January 25, 2013
I havn't drivin in 20 years due to DUI's. But there was a point as a single parent I started to change. I drank less and less till I made a decision to stop. 10 years without yet after 20 yrs of being destitute due to accessive child support laws IO finally got around to checking on a license again only to find(by a lawyer and a AA member)that the only thing the state is interested in is AA attendance. So now after eliminating alcohol from my life I am drug into the world of the miserable alcoholic. I am against drinking and driving and am glad for the states intervention, but to force people into these groups is wrong. I am a "normal" person (according to the AA book) in the midst of a group that is obsessed with alcohol and cannot even comment due to the fact that I don't know what it's like to fight an addiction. I'm like the "Prodigal son" but my home said "too bad" upon my return. So for all you religious people, to only punish and not allow the recovery of ones life after they've repented. (better to have a stone tied to your leg and cast into the sea). As for me I will continue to live by setting an example. All those who enjoy drinking and smoking so much, please keep it away from me and my family.
Submitted by donna at 08:33 PM on January 19, 2013
May GOD give you all comfort and strength. Its always devestating to hear about another innoncent victim who lost their life to such a senseless act. Just remeber, Brian Wood will nevr be forgotten by those who loved him. GOD Bless the Wood Family.
Submitted by Sis at 02:05 PM on January 16, 2013
Drunk or drugged driving is inexcusable and they need to be punished harshly to put an end to this horrible crime.
Submitted by janey1 at 09:24 PM on January 13, 2013
I as an offender of driving under the influence believe that anything thst alters your perception of driving or any other function of daily living that does not allow you to function in your normal capacity should not be tolerrated.
Submitted by janey1 at 09:20 PM on January 13, 2013
I am a convicted drunk driver, and I am thankful for everyday since I was convicted. I have two children and three grandchildren. I also have many friends, I am glad that I was caught and stopped before I killed someone and myself. I would never want to excuse any ones drinking, but if you have a true addiction like myself you have no undertanding. I have never had an intention of hurting anyone, but if you have that addiction and you cannot control it than you cannot have an understanding of the harm that come from your disease. There is never an excuse from wrong,but it is a disease.
Submitted by madashell at 11:59 AM on January 12, 2013
What do you mean driving with drugs in your body isn't illegal? Any impaired and/or distracted driving should be illegal.
Submitted by 2bee at 10:00 AM on January 11, 2013
Whether it is a drug (legal or illegal),alchol, or lack of sleep that impairs your thinking and reactions, this should mean no driving. More of us are probably guilty of driving drowsey than we are drunk, but either will kill or injure.
Submitted by AMCatlin at 09:54 AM on January 11, 2013
Thisx girl AND the passenger who was holding the wheel deserve EVERTHING they have coming to them. Highway 20 is difficult to drive sober much less drunk or high or intoxicated!!!!
Submitted by same at 03:46 PM on January 10, 2013
that should read illegal drugs!!
Submitted by babygirl at 09:52 AM on January 10, 2013
drinking and driveing is not safe on the road and need to stop drinking and driveing

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