To the editor:

I have written a letter similar to this one a few years in a row, and nothing has changed from the first time I recall writing about Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) or becoming a member.

It’s times like this that make you sit back and wonder why the state of Maine does not pass stricter laws against operating while intoxicated.

Everyone seems to have his or her own opinion about what the state should do. I think the majority feels that drinking and driving is a selfish act that takes millions of lives and ruins the lives of their loved ones.

Why do we, “ the state of Maine,” continue to let this happen? There has to be more we can do as a state.

We worry about casinos, yet we can’t take the precious time to worry about the dangers of drinking and driving and the horrendous impact that it has on people.

When we talk about OUI, we are talking about people who “ choose” to get behind the wheel intoxicated, putting everyone around them in harm’s way. But they just get a slap on the wrist the first time and perhaps a slap a bit harder the second time. But do they learn?

Statistics show that most of them do not learn. I am sick of the excuses, sick of the “reasons” why we don’t do something more as a state.

I think if we all came together, we could accomplish a lot more. I have three young children with whom I venture out on the roads daily. As a mother, I know the true worry it does bring to me that you just never know who is out on the roads being unsafe.

Let’s all put our ideas together and make a change for the new year in our state. Let’s pass stricter laws against OUI in 2012.

Happy holidays to you and yours, and let’s make this year safer!

Ashley Green Bonang
West Bath