Family speaks out on DUI law change

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - In a new Alabama law, the state adopts the use of ignition interlocks, which prevent drunk drivers from starting a vehicle. Governor Robert Bentley recently signed a bill that forces repeat offenders and those convicted with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 to install the device.

However, for some families, it’s too little too late.

Paul Brittingham was a sailor fresh out of boot camp. Paul was beginning his career training in aviation repair at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Then, on September 19, 2008, Paul went for a drive with his fiancée, and never came back.

"We were awakened early in the morning and found out that our oldest son Paul had been killed in an auto accident,” said Paul’s father Terry Brittingham.

The driver who killed Paul also died. Tests show that other driver had a blood alcohol concentration more than three times the legal limit.

“[It is] even more devastating, knowing that it could have been prevented,” said Alisa Brittingham, Paul’s mother.

The Alabama law change comes three years late for the Brittinghams, but knowing special devices will keep drunk drivers off the road helps.

“This step forward is an awesome - an awesome - thing that could prevent the death of a child or loved one,” Alisa said.

Yet just as it won’t bring Paul back to the Brittingham’s, it offers them little solace.

“It doesn’t bring us comfort, but it helps to know that steps are being made,” Alisa added.

“If I could see him one more time, tell him I love him, how proud I am of him, and I’ll see him again,” said Terry.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Alabama is the 50th state to pass such a law.