Current CARD News Letter

The second half of 1999 saw an unprecedented 200-plus inquiries to CARD on the newly implemented Impaired Drivers Law.

Three articles on the Missouri law prompted the most calls. They include a July 15, 1999 column by Ann Landers, a September 13, 1999 full-page story in USA Today and a November 1, 1999 story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Of the 200-plus inquiries, a number were politicians or aides representing 12 states. The latest information is that the States of Washington and New York have introduced bills which copy the Missouri law. Contact for the Washington bill is Dave Upthegrove, aide to Sen. Julia Patterson. The bill is SB 6234, and Upthegrove can be reached directly at 360- 786- 7664. Crusading for New York Senate Bil16228 is Laurence G. Roth (MD), of Batavia, NY. Dr. Roth and his family lost a son eight years ago to a wrong-way, elderly driver on a New York interstate. They have been crusading for legislation to get unsafe drivers off the road for years. He can be reached at 716-343-3833. His e-mail address is "LGR1@eznet.net."

CARD Web Site

The establishment of our web site is due to the generosity of a wonderful new friend, Bonnie Baker of Tampa, Florida. Bonnie came to CARD as a result of a personal tragedy. She lost a vibrant daughter, Beth, at age 19, last March due to a legally blind driver running a red light and broadsiding Beth' s car.

Bonnie, who is a computer consultant and lectures to major corporate clients throughout the world, was seeking a way to offer her help in getting driving laws changed. She was introduced to CARD in a most coincidental way. A month after Beth's death, Bonnie resumed her work with a speech in New Orleans. Parts of her presentations allude to Beth and her other child, Scott, a Tampa policeman. Upon conclusion of this presentation, Beth said, she went to her hotel room and broke down crying. After a while, she read USA Today, where she saw the full-page story on the Suroffs and the new Missouri driving law. She says that reading the story gave her hope to help others in a similar situation and motivated her to become involved with CARD. Bonnie can be reached via e-mail at "bkbaker@bonniebaker.com." Her own toll free phone is 800- 992-7192.

Alzheimer's Assn. of St. Louis Driving Information Packet:

This organization was the first to join forces with CARD to get the new Missouri driving law passed. It has available through its "helpline" a Driving Information Packet. The packet has a wealth of information on driving safety and when to stop driving. By calling locally 314-432- 3422, or 1-800-980-9080~ they will be happy to send a packet. For Missouri residents the Driver Condition reporting form will be included if you personally request it. - Alzheimer's Assn. of St. Louis and the American Automobile Assn. of Missouri/Kansas are jointly producing a brochure on safe driving, which includes mention of the new Missouri driving law.

Missouri Department of Revenue-Drivers License Bureau issues brochures on "How to Report an Unsafe Driver":

Although the new driving law went into effect the first day of 1999, it was not strongly enforced until April, as driving condition reports and brochures had not been printed. According to officials at the bureau and their director, Raymond Hune, they are delighted at the reception of the new law and its reporting mechanism.

For Missouri residents, this brochure, and one directed specifically to physicians, entitled, "Physician Reporting of Impaired Drivers," are available at all driver license revenue branch and fee oft}ces along with the reporting forms for individuals and physicians to complete. Anyone having difficulty finding one of the brochures can call the bureau at 573- 751-2730. Its e-mail address is dlbmail@mail.state.mo.us.

Mid-Atlantic Card Chapter Being Established:

Two ardent backers of CARD are establishing a CARD chapter in the greater Philadelphia area where they reside. They are Carol Parton, of Boothwyn, P A, and Marialice Thompson, of Willow Grove, P A. Carol lost a daughter, Jenny Ann, age 19 in December of 1997 in an accident near her college in Alabama. An elderly driver caused the accident. Marialice lost a 44-year-old brother, Paul (Chip) in August of 1998. A driver later diagnosed with dementia was involved. Both Carol and Marialice have spoken with their respective legislators at their State Capitol, and discussed driving safety from a national perspective with their Congressmen. Carol can be reached at 610-459-5411 or e-mail at caroladp@aol.com. Marialice can be reached at 215-784-0492, or e-mail at ladyamyas@aol.com.

Thank You for Your Contributions:

Contributions are crucial to the growth and viability of CARD's cause. Our thanks to our most recent contributors.

Steve & Madelyn Belosi Lake St. Louis, MO
John & Pat Nangle St. Louis, MO
Edith & Harvey Brown St. Louis, MO
John E. Noll New Orleans, LA
Mark Cereghino St. Louis, MO
Paul Orner Altadena, CA
Mary L.Cotter St. Louis, MO
Barry & Alexis Pinken St. Louis, MO
James Edds Fenton, MO
Paul & Diane Quayle Gilbertsvi1le, KY
Ed & Lynne Fogel Chesterfield, MO
Joe Randolph Fulton, MO
Jerry DeGeare Columbia, IL
M/M Joesph Rezney St. Louis, MO
Jonathan & Shira Fox W. Orange, NJ
Edward A. Riley Dexter , MO
Elaine & Harold Glassman St. Louis, MO
Carl Roesel St. Louis, MO
Rhonnie & Stan Goldfader St. Louis, MO
Col. Earle K. Rosen St. Louis, MO
Diane & Ron Greenspan St. Louis, MO
Sage Marketing Clayton, MO
Karen Hickerson Hamden, CT
Don Schloessman St. Louis, MO
Morris & Shirley Hoffman St. Louis, MO
Newton & Diane Siegel Chesterfield, MO
Jean & Wayne Kaufman St. Louis, MO
Anthony Simmons Fairhaven, MA
Irene Kessler St. Louis, MO
JeffieyStiffman St. Louis, MO
Marion & Abe Lipsitz St. Louis, MO
M/M Harvey Wallace St. Louis, MO
Frank & Margo Miskit St. Louis, MO