In January 2019, a family of five driving through Lexington, Kentucky were tragically killed in a head-on collision with a wrong-way drunk driver on Interstate 75. The family, Issam Abbas, Dr. Rima Abbas, and their three children, Ali, Isabella, and Giselle were traveling home to Michigan after a family vacation in Florida. The driver of the car was also killed in the crash.
Despite the tragedy that struck her family, Rima’s sister Rana is working hard to help her community fight against drunk driving. Working together with United States Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan, the Honoring Abbas Family Legacy to Terminate (HALT) Drunk Driving Act was introduced and quickly gained bipartisan support. HALT aims to eliminate drunk driving altogether by requiring new automobiles to include advanced alcohol detection systems that would prevent the engine from starting if the driver is intoxicated.
The introduction of HALT is inspiring lawmakers from New Mexico and Florida to introduce similar legislation, called the Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone (RIDE) Act. Both proposals include common-sense measures which provide time for the automobile technology to be prepared, tested, and implemented. Once enacted, the HALT and RIDE Acts could have the ability to eliminate drunk driving, which kills over 170 Kentucky residents each year.
It is important the work being done by Rana and her family does not go unnoticed. By contacting your representatives and senators to let them know that you support the HALT and RIDE Acts, we can move forward in ensuring safer roadways throughout America. 12,000 families experience the overwhelming grief of losing a loved one to a drunk driver each year. Congress has the ability to dwindle this number down to zero by supporting these valuable new pieces of legislation.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed as a result of a drunk driving accident, it is essential to consult an experienced car accident lawyer. Our legal team at Becker Law Office is passionate about helping those who have been injured or affected by the senseless and reckless acts of others. Our managing partner, Gregory Bubalo, is representing the Abbas family estate in getting the justice they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
