Enid, OK – In 2007, Kimela Tiderman-Alcorn’s life was forever changed when her husband, Michael, and their 12-year-old son, Justin, were killed in a tragic car crash. The collision occurred when a drunk driver crossed the median on Interstate 44, slamming into their vehicle head-on and killing both instantly. The driver and their passenger were also killed in the crash.
“It was terrible,” said Tiderman-Alcorn. “I don’t think there’s an excuse for it. Drink and do whatever you want, but don’t get behind the wheel of a car.”
Since that devastating moment, Tiderman-Alcorn has made it her mission to turn her grief into action. She is now an active member of VOID: Victims of Impaired Drivers, a nonprofit group dedicated to supporting families affected by DUI-related accidents and advocating for stronger laws to prevent impaired driving.
On Monday, Tiderman-Alcorn joined others who have experienced similar tragedies in speaking with lawmakers about their ongoing fight to reduce impaired driving in Oklahoma. Their goal is to push for stronger DUI laws that could prevent further losses like those they’ve endured.
Jeff Murrow, founder of VOID, emphasized the group’s stance on impaired driving, saying, “We believe that we must do everything in our power to eradicate impaired driving by creating the strongest deterrence possible. We must stop mistaking leniency for compassion.”
Several DUI-related bills are currently under consideration in the Oklahoma legislature. Among them are:
- HB 1222: This bill requires a threat assessment to be seen by a judge prior to bond for second and subsequent DUI charges.
- HB 2369: It extends ABLE licensed bartender rules to include services provided on unlicensed premises.
- HB 1933: This bill aims to prohibit the sale of Nitrous Oxide for any non-medical, recreational purposes.
- SB 518: It mandates that “medical marijuana” products include a warning label regarding impaired driving, similar to other medications.
- SB 54: This bill would modify aggravated DUI laws to include the manner in which the vehicle was used and strengthen consequences to discourage recidivism.
One of the most notable legislative efforts is SB 54, authored by Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. The bill aims to make aggravated DUI offenses more severe by considering the manner in which a vehicle is used during the crime. Weaver, reflecting on the importance of this issue, said, “We’re going to put an aggravated offense. We’re going to tie some things to the DUI. I can’t bring your child back, or your loved one back, or I can’t solve your injury today. But one thing I can do is I can take on tomorrow.”
For families like Tiderman-Alcorn’s, these legislative efforts are a beacon of hope. While they cannot undo the damage done, they represent a tangible way to protect others from enduring similar tragedies in the future. Through their advocacy, these families aim to create change and bring a sense of justice to their unimaginable losses.
