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drunk driving accidents involving illegal immigrants

Published Dec 5, 2007
Views: 1041

A documentary about the high rate of drunken driving accidents involving legal and illegal Hispanic immigrants was the focus of a WRAL News documentary that aired Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Did you watch? If so, what did you think?

What are your thoughts on this issue? Let's start a dialogue.

Oh, and if you didn't get a chance to see it...

Click here to watch.

 

 

Filed under: Crime




56 Comments


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Oh my!! I MISSED watching it! I wonder if they could play it again on Saturday morning for those of us who didn't see it this time????

I'm tired of people blaming the gov't. the gov't works for the people. we elect them and should demand they follow the "wishes of the people". 1. where's all the homeland security money going in this state? why is there no central state database of dui stats? 2. driving is a PRIVILEDGE not a right. issuing a driver's license does not keep track of illegals, it will just make it easier to illegally assimilate. 3. Every "citation" should result in deportation. they will probably return but might think twice about north carolina.

FYI according to u.s. census info the illegal population in n.c. has gone from 26,000 in '96 to over 200,000 in '06 much of the increase can be attributed to the ease of getting a drivers license in n.c. make it easy and they will come

I remember 1988 when I moved to this area...2 Hispanics killed when their car hits a tree...the driver was drunk. I sat waiting in my car as the helicopter airlifted them to a hospital. When I drove by the accident scene, the car was unrecognizable. Speed and alcohol don't mix. Neither do cars and alcohol. I think adding to this problem is the fact that the laws in Mexico aren't enforced like they are here. These people don't realize that here it's unacceptable as a society to drink and drive. Many have been raised in an atmosphere where they can do as they please. Coming here does not change that way of thinking. And the illegal ones are not going to have any insurance for themselves or their vehicles, so this is a double whammy to us and those who they involve in a crash. It also further burdens our healthcare system financially, and we have to pick up the tab. I say immediate deportation (if they survive) if ANY of them get caught driving without proper documentation(s).

As a preventive step, maybe require ALL people to show PROPER ID when they buy alcoholic beverages. We need some kind of tool to confirm who they are and whether they are legal - like the way a credit card scanner works, except in this situation, it would scan one's driver's license.

RE: thePunisher and "let's start a dialogue". Yes, let's do that, and take it a step further. Lawmakers are moving way too slow on these critical issues (maybe they're worried about losing the Hispanic vote). Sue Myrick is the only elected State Official who has taken a strong position, and she needs our help!... spread the word and contact your State Representatives!

That's my thought on the issue!

I have been hit by a drunk hispanic. I cam out on the lucky side and he did not. However, that does not make what he did inexcusable. It really tested my family as we suffered many broken bones and several surgeries over a period of years. It was my 14th birthday. One never to forget. In a dry county of all places. He had no insurance, I could not even tell you his name, I was in the ER. This has been a problem way before now. I am glad we finally realizing it and trying to something about it. I do think there is something wrong with court system if this guy has been convicted 5 previous times and deported twice. As much technology as we have, put people on file in a computerized system so it can been seen from anywhere. This tragedy could have prevented in my opinion. If not by his friends and family, then a judge by the 2nd or 3rd offense. I know first hand what it can do to a family. As a college student, I try my hardest to get the word out to my classmates. I hide carkeys.

I verbally fight people to spend the night. "I have to work early" is not an excuse. What I am trying to get to them, is How many innocent people have to be killed for you to get it? Which is worse? being late for work, or killing an innoent person?? when it is ENTIRELY preventable. Having been to Mexico, they do not take things as seriously down there. They shove tequila down your throat. Most don't think twice about driving home afterwards. So, if you are here, and want a better life, great. Be legal first. Then, learn the laws, or go back where you came from. If killing someone doesn't change your mind about drinking and driving again, then I'm sorry you are heartless. If affects alot more people than you think. And a million years in jail can NEVER replace a life.

I agree with a lot of these comments. Although I'm sure everyone knows it's not only immigrants that drink and drive, we do hear a lot more about that particular problem. They don't have proper papers when they get here, therefore they can't get a license, insurance, etc. Yet they are still buying used cars, hitting the drinks, and taking a joy ride. I understand that the local law enforcment have a lot to keep up with, but there has to be some way of making sure that this doesn't happen.

What this commentary should SCREAM to the voters and taxpayers of this state is that we have only elected one (Sue Myric) that has the guts to stand up and say enough. Two years ?!?! trying to pass this bill...Where are the rest of our elected officials? Maybe it is time that the voters (you know, the ones that pay the salaries of these people) started voted for Leaders. It is past time that something is done to STOP all these illegals. It might be good that this one particular illegal is in jail now, but don't forget it is the taxpayer that will support him for as long as he is in there!!!!!

EVERY GROCERY STORE should carry a missive over their beer display IN SPANISH that says: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA. These people come here without ANY indoctrination, and have no idea what the laws are. Difficult to read the law when you don't speak ENGLISH!!!!

Made In USA, great idea about making everyone show ID before buying alcohol. We need an ID that we can swipe like a credit card before purchasing alcohol. It would only take a second to do and it could prevent so much tragedy. I'm in full support of anything that keeps alcohol out of the hands of minors and illegals.

avalos posted:

"I think dmv need to think this very seriously. Like us we are trying to do every thing the right way."

Everything right? You admit your husband is an illegal alien, has no social security number, and currently has no valid drivers license. It's pretty obvious your options are very limited and that you, your husband and other illegals will continue to circumvent and ignore our laws. Sorry, I have no compassion for your situation nor theirs.

In my experience, it is human nature for the anonymous to behave badly. That reality is why we have easy to read and publicly visable license plates on our cars. I am "documented", making the decision to do the right thing easier. Those who are not are an unpredictable group without restraint.

The State blames the Fed and they both fight over/against jurisdiction when illegals are involved. It's why a person can be caught time and again, drive illegal AND drunk again, and never get deported. Instead, they put them in the hospital on taxpayer's dollars and let them walk away later. These are crimes American citizens could be fined and/or jailed for - immediately. Once again, Local, State and Federal governments have failed us miserably. Until enough people pay attention and contact to annoyance those with political influence, the problem will continue to get worse. This coverage and forum is a good place to start.

Deportation does not work! Put them in jail, let them serve time, then deport them. I can not believe that local, state, and federal authorities do not have a way of linking driving and court records. I guess politicians have better things to do, like dividing up pork.

It is time for our Governor and our state legislature to be charged with crimes. They are intentionally turning a blind eye to criminal activities. I call this aiding and abetting.

I've seen bumper stickers on some hispanics' cars which, judging by my limited Spanish, is a message about not drinking and driving. So, evidently, the spanish community is aware of this problem as well...

Very personal topic to me. However, I'm equal opportunity-I hate all drunk drivers regardless of nationality/legality. They ALL deserve to be treated, at minimum, as attempted murderers or at maximum, murderers. Drinking and driving is a CHOICE! It's not an accident.

That being said, I did not see the documentary. Wish I had. My personal opinion is that when a person is caught DUI, they should have mandatory jail time. If they injure someone in the process, longer time in jail w/o parole until a court decision is made. If they injure someone and have no license/insurance-jail until the injured has been released from doctor care and the extent of injuries is determined. THEN give them their day in court and sentence. Perhaps prison w/work release (high supervision so they don't flee) and their pay goes directly to the victim(s). Once out of jail, deport if illegal.

oakmont: and counting their health & retirement bennies!!

I did not see this program, but did recently send a message to Sen. Dole about this very problem, with my comments.

Her reply came in the mail yesterday. The jist of what she responded: The Senate and she voted to beef up budget funds for the installation of the border fence, an additional secondary fence for certain places along the border, and beefing up border personnel & supplies, and eqpt for information sharing between law enf agencies. Can't remember what else. She felt this was necessary BEFORE they should attempt mass deportation of all the illegal ones here. She stated she was against a mass acceptance of all the illegals here. She also stated that they realize the last laws written on immigration are ineffectual, mostly because the immigrant numbers had multipled so vastly since passage of the 1st bill, but said this time they are trying to improve it & get it right!!

Take this for what it's worth.

I have no sympathy for people who enter the country ILLEGALLY!!! They know what drinking does and are not obeying the law. Fine with me if they are deported.

As a member of the Jackson/Gardner family whose lives were forever changed that fateful Saturday afternoon of July 16, 2005, let me first say that any support is greatly appreciated. The biggest shame in this entire matter is that our government has completely let us down. There should be a way to track these illegals, and it should be possible to keep them out of the country if they cannot abide by our laws. This is America, and we are not against immigration, but we are against ILLEGAL immigration which is completely different! Two beautiful children are now living with their grandparents, seeing their mother in the condition that she is in, never able to see their father again. They will survive, and they will be stronger people because of it, but that is no consolation. Only one person in our government has chosen to take a stand against the issue, thats a shame. We as taxpaying, voting citizens need to let our voice be heard. Scott Gardner did not have to die.

We need to make sure that Scott Gardner did not die in vain. There should be a central database, accessible to not only all the counties in NC, but a nationwide way of tracking these people and their numerous offenses. I do not understand how one can say that they are married to an illegal but they follow all of our laws. First and foremost, being married to an illegal is not following a law. Your spouse is here ILLEGALLY!!!

I urge you to vote, check out www.gardnerfamilycircle.us and write your Congressman expressing your wishes for The Scott Gardner Act to pass, and in turn protect your family's welfare! The next time it happens, it could very well happen to one of your families, and thats a really hard thing to have to deal with!!!

avalos Why give illegal immigrants a chance, they are illegal. They have broken the law. You are just as guitly for being married to him as he is for being here.

Governor Easley:

You and your political friends in state government take the time to view this documentary? Made me angry, sad and more determined to make sure you and the do-nothing politicians in the North Carolina Legislature continue to be reminded that we're faced with an illegal alien problem in this state.

Party politics need to be set aside and local, state and federal officials need to get serious about this problem. You are the Governor. You can make a difference for the citizens of this state. Help us. Please.

Very well done documentary. However, I wish there had been more focus on those who sold the beer to the drunk driver. If the driver had "been drinking all day," as stated, the store clerk should not have sold more beer to the man, assuming the driver was also the purchaser. Not to shift the blame from the drunk driver, but our society should wake up to the fact that we're drowning in alcohol related problems. Unfortunately, there's so much money being made on alcohol that it will continue to destroy lives, both the innocent and the guilty, while the makers and sellers smile all the way to the bank.

I don't see a problem with someone being married to an illigal because you never know who you are going to fall in love with. Also we can't forget that many kids of these immigrants were raised here in America and they have being practically americanized themselves regardless of their legal status.

I sat through 6-7 sessons of traffic court recently waiting for my case. As most know, the DA does a roll call to determine who is present. I can say with confidence two things. One is that a great many hispanic names were called. Secondly, at least 90% of them were no-shows. It was obvious to all that the hispanics had skipped town, relocated, changed names again etc. After a while, you could see people shaking their heads and whispering to each other with each new no-show called. The great majority of other minorities and whites were present. Let's face it, those people are much easier for the authorities to track down for many reasons. Obviously, we cannot enforce the law if the person charged cannot be located. I don't have an answer, but the starting point to a solution is for those charged to show up in court. Tougher laws will be worthless if no one is there for the verdict.

We were hit on I-85 going 70 mph by a drunk driver in a white van with ladders. The driver recovered enough to speed off. With 3 different calls to 911 reporting the plates, the police did nothing. The van was licensed to a Hispanic. After watching this documentary i know why. This doc is a real eye opener for a deeper problem. Thanks WRAL.

Drinking is a big part of hispanic culture. Hang out at a local grocery store or convenient store early in the am and around quitting time and they are lined up with 2 and 3 24-packs in hand. I use to work a grocery, I've seen it first hand. It's especially prevelent in Hispanic Males. Their drinking problems almost equal that of the Russian Males (worse than American problems).

So essentially you have something that's ingrained into the culture, illegally coming over here, continuing their culture and ruining people's lives since many don't have insurance.

I lost my car - which in turn lost my job - in turn lost my apartment because an illegal hit me from behind at a stop light in Fayetteville. I only had liability (my fault) and he had nothing. BRAND NEW Dodge Ram pick up and no insurance!!! (???) I still don't understand that. I lost everything and he got away with no reprecussions other than a ticket.

Hello!! They are illegal - get them out of this country!

If they weren't here (illegally), we wouldn't need to be having these conversations now would we.

Recently I was in a court room in Johnston Co for a speeding ticket for myself. I sat and waited through 22 others in front of me with a wide range of charges. Out of the 22 who appeared ahead of me 11 of them were "hispanic" - "mexican" individuals (men and women) who did not speak english and required an interpretur and were charged with driving without a liscence. All 11 waived their right to an attorney and to represent themselves. The final decision by the judge was 30 days in the Johnston Co jail, suspended, 12 months probabtion and pay the court costs. Also let me add each were asked if they had gotten their liscence yet? All said no. When leaving the courthouse I watched one of these individuals drive away. Something is wrong with the system and it needs to be fixed! No wonder our government is in such a spin.

Illegal aliens came into our country knowing they were breaking our laws. Why then are we so surprised when they also commit document fraud, murder, rape, crimes against children, burglary, drive without a license, without insurance and while intoxicated. Why are we surprised when they do not follow our laws when they have shown they don't care about breaking them when they entered our country illegally. I am not saying that all illegal aliens commit crimes beyond entering our country illegally, however if they really cared about making a new life and cared about America and Americans, they would do it legally. They would make it a priority to learn English, follow our laws and respect our country. If they do not want that or are here illegally, they need go home.

"I don't see a problem with someone being married to an illigal because you never know who you are going to fall in love with."

I see your point and I'll agree that we don't really have control over our hearts and our feelings. However, we DO have control over our actions. Love does not excuse one from abiding by the law. Neither does Love give people the right to make poor decisions. We are still responsible for our own actions. Should a person find themselves in love with an person here illegally, they should either make the decision to move back to the other country or ensure that the person goes through the proper channels to become a LEGAL citizen! In either case, it has no bearings on the fact that an inordinate number of dui cases are committed by illegal immigrants. Something needs to be done to stop this trend.

Drunk drivers getting a slap on the wrist has always angered me and we have had too many killed by drunks who have many DUI's on their record. Anyone remember the little girl in Durham way back that was killed by a guy who had 7 or more DUI's?? If we know the illegals don't show up to court why don't we have anyone smart enough in our city hall to figure out a better system. Lets all quit just talking and start demanding that our elected officials change things. 1) write,call, visit your representatives 2) ask candidates what they would do 3) push for stores that sell alcohol to use simple breath analyzers before you can buy( we have the technology) I have seen people leaving an ABC store staggering and get in a car and drive away (yes I reported it for all the good that does. I wanted to cause a rear end so he would get caught!!) 4) if Dui's spend time being processed they should be kept if illegal and deported.

I'm on a roll here!!! If employers have to know status to hire then please explain to me why law enforcement can't figure out who is illegal.

Anyone who is hurt or has a family member hurt by a repeat offender that is illegal should be able to sue. Also true if ofender was allowed to keep driving with many Dui's citizen or not!

My thought is one snowflake does nothing but enough can stop a city from functioning.... meaning it is time to form one voice to pressure our officials to DO SOMETHING !! Anybody have ideas about a group effort push for change?? lets quit just complaining and demand change.

http://www.wataugademocrat.com/2007/1126/reyescharged.php

Any guesses to who's footing the bill for these dirtbags, even after the human cost? Look left to your neighbor, right to your other neighbor, then pull your own wallet out...

avalos, You say you are trying to do everything right..... then go back with your spouse to the country they are from and apply to come to our country legally. People who do the right thing obey the law.

Under the present citeria? WHO in America is legal with the Exception of Native Americans who were here first..everybody who came after them was illegal along with their illegal decendents..

What we are doing is helping the poor. I've been to Mexico before, and their laws are NOT enforced like they are here. Parts of rural Mexico are like third-world countries. These people coming here are only seeking better living conditions, but have a habit of getting away with a lot of illegal things...like drunk friving. I think they are here to stay...too many to send back. We must continue to change their behaviors from non-enforcement to compliance. We can continue to deny them their status, but in doing so we are only prolonging making things better for all. What I worry about the most is that our borders are apparently an open door to anyone who wans to enter the US. This is very dangerous considering the hatred towards America from across the world. Our borders need sealing up...this is the most important issue at hand. Whatever we need to do to close them, we must do that now.

We will eventualy stand up and fight. Go build your own country and stop stealing the one our fathers built. Stop whinning about how bad it is in Mexico and fight to fix it, don't overpopulate, over-saturate the job market, and ruine this one like where you came from.

Most hispanics never show up in court...I've witnessed that countless times. They are long gone, and never to be found. Many have multiple names and no known address to aid in the art of deception. Now many are "graduating" into gang and illegal drug trade. Having said that, I recently had some very hard working hispanics install carpet in my home. The problem is the criminals...duh. Reminds me of when Castro send all those felons to FL many years ago. He is still laughing.

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