HB 1406 Proposes Memorial Signs for Missouri DWI Victims

Legislation meant to increase awareness of impact of drunk driving in Missouri. HB 1406 establishes David's Law which requires the Department of Transportation to establish and administer a drunk driving memorial sign program.

State legislators Bill Deeken and David Day are crafting a bill that would facilitate a sign program warning of the impact of DWI in Missouri. House Bill 1406 calls for the establishment of a roadside memorial system, placing signs at the location of fatal alcohol related accidents. Families of the victims of drunk driving in Missouri would pay $1,040 for a 2’x3’ sign that would remain in place for 10 years.

The sign design would look similar to a Missouri license plate. The signs would have the victim’s initials and date of accident, and include the slogans "Drunk Driving Victim!" and "Who's Next?"

Homemade signs are already visible on Missouri highways. These signs are not permisable, though the Missouri Department of Transportation allows them to remain in place as long as they do not block a driver’s view or create a safety problem. The proposed sign program, which would be run by the MoDOT, would prohibit private memorials. A spokesperson for the MoDOT has said the department does not have an official position on the sign legislation, though he said it appeared to be a safe alternative to homemade memorials.

The legislation passed the Missouri House and is headed to the state Senate. A non-profit group has been established to help underwrite the cost of the signage, meaning families of Missouri DWI victims will not have to worry about paying for the DWI memorial themselves.

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