Press Room

Gov. Ritter Signs Careless Driving Bill

Friday, May 21 2010

Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill today that will toughen penalties for those convicted of careless driving resulting in death.

Gov. Ritter signed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Sen. President Brandon Shaffer and Rep. Judy Solano. The measure will increase the penalty for careless driving resulting in death from 4 points to 12 points, triggering a one-year driver’s license suspension.

“We can never make up for the loss of a life,” Gov. Ritter said. “But this new laws says in no uncertain terms that when you drive, you have a duty to be careful. Colorado roads will be a safer place to drive with the enactment of this legislation.”

President Shaffer introduced SB 204 after a good friend, Bruce Patterson, was killed in an accident caused by a careless driver. A second motorist also died. The woman responsible for the deaths of Mr. Patterson’s and the other driver was sentenced to six months in jail through work release.

“It really hit home when Bruce died,” said President Shaffer. “I don’t want anyone to experience what Bruce’s family did after he was killed by a careless driver. By enforcing harsher punishments for careless drivers in Colorado, my hope is that our roads become safer for the future generations of our children. I'm proud that Gov. Ritter is signing this bill into law today.”

“With this new law, Colorado is taking a stand against senseless deaths caused by careless driving and sending a message that we take this offense seriously,” Rep. Solano said. “It’s necessary for the preservation of our public health and safety.”