Harsher DUI Penalty Bill | Video

Jennifer Joas | 2/1/2013

It was an emotional morning at the State Capitol, as several families shared their heart wrenching stories of loss because of drunk drivers. The Senate Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would have stricter penalties for drunk drivers in the state.

The bill would require drivers to have a marked license, prohibiting the sale of alcohol, to have ignition interlocks on their vehicles and have longer license suspensions for violations.

The Deutscher family testified about losing their son, daughter-in-law and grandchild to a drunk driving accident.

"Words cannot describe the sadness we feel every day. It is the responsibility of each of us as North Dakota citizens to recognize we have a very important role in changing society`s attitude about driving drunk," said Arlene Deutscher.

Drunk driving fatalities increased by 19 from 2011 to 2012, while nationwide the numbers decreased.

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