Anchorage -- Representative Andrew Halcro (R-Anchorage), Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, has called for an oversight hearing on drinking and driving on Thursday, August 3rd at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office at 716 W. 4th Avenue.

"Drunk driving accidents and fatalities are unacceptable and preventable," said Halcro. "The increase in fatalities this year is staggering. We need to conduct a statewide review of our drunk driving laws, our treatment and prevention programs, and we need to evaluate what can be done to make sure our roads are safe. Alaska has some of the stiffest drinking and driving laws in the nation, but it is clear we have not done enough to combat chronic drunk drivers."

Halcro plans to unveil two legislative proposals to aid in reducing drunk driving fatalities at the hearing. "These are preliminary proposals and I feel it is appropriate to get public input on both these plans," explained Halcro. "The Committee also needs to hear other ideas Alaskans have on this matter."

Halcro has invited members of Mayor Wuerch's DUI Prevention Task Force, the Alaska State Troopers, the Anchorage Police Department, and community leaders from other parts of the state, to participate in the hearing. "This is a statewide problem," said Halcro. "I encourage interested Alaskans to participate at the hearing and become part of the solution."

The hearing will be teleconferenced for those people outside of Anchorage who wish to participate. To arrange participation by teleconference, people should contact Representative Halcro's office at (907) 269-0244.

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