Cal Holman was tragically and suddenly killed when two men with records of drag racing slammed into his
car on a local road in the middle of the day.
As we have had time to reflect on this tragic situation we feel compelled to do something
which will deter this type of accident from occurring in the future.
It seems obvious that Arizona needs to have stronger laws relating to speeding on our streets and highways.
Cal Holman died senselessly because two individuals needed to prove 'something' which has now cost him his life.
Arizona is strong with our DUI laws, why not be just as tough on individuals who race on our streets put everyone
in danger?
The men responsible for Cal Holman's death were released on bail and are still driving on our streets.
Legislation is needed to ensure people who habitually violate the driving laws are kept off the road.
There are several laws focused on the welfare of the public on the street,
"ARS 28-708 - Racing on Highways"
is the statute
covering racing on the streets.
What we need to do is strengthen ARS 28-708 to discourage racing on our streets.
Ideally the statutes should be changed to link violations across all the reckless driving statutes
take the driver and if possible the car off the road.
These laws should be coordinated to provide a second violation if there is a prior conviction under any of
these statutes. That way if an aggressive driver is convicted under several of the statutes they will not
remain a single violation but a second or third.
In 2006 (the 2007 numbers are not available) there were 1,296 people killed in Arizona.
The most common driver violation was "speed too fast for conditions". Additionally, drinking was
only involved in 23.73% of fatalities -- which means 76.26% were NOT drinking. Our DUI laws are tough,
why wouldn't we want to save just as many people on our streets by toughening the "speeding/drag racing" laws.
It simply doesn't make any sense. The total economic impact, according to this study (Arizona Crash Facts
Summary Report conducted by the Arizona Department of Transportation) was $3.67billion in 2006. These
violations of our laws and thus the killing of innocent people on our streets has a huge impact on
ALL of us in AZ.
A bill in the House of Representatives, House Bill #2837, has been introduced by Representative Nancy Barto.
This bill will strengthen the current laws and begin the process of punishing those who repeatedly violate
our traffic (speeding) laws. This bill was not heard during the legislative session in 2008.
It is the goal of the Holman family to meet with Senator Waring and Representative Barto during the
summer 2008 to draft a new bill for the upcoming session in 2009. We encourage support in our efforts
and would welcome advice and support from anyone concerned.
Although the bill has been introduced that doesn't necessarily mean it will be heard and voted on by the
Legislature. Once a bill is introduced it must then be heard by a specific committee. In this case the
Transportation Committee Chair will make a decision to 'hear' the bill or not. In other words, the Chairperson
has the final say regarding which bills will be presented for discussion and voting.
The current Chairperson
for the Transportation Committee is Representative Andy Biggs from District 22. It would be most helpful if
Representative Biggs heard from as many people as possible stating
support
of this bill. He can be contacted
by email at abiggs@azleg.gov or you can contact the information desk at
602.926.4221 and ask for his direct
number.
Much better you can contact your own Legislators from your district and tell them you support this bill. The
information number listed will give you any information you might need in contacting your respective Legislator.
House Bill #2837 sponsored by
Representatives
Senators
Nancy Barto
Michele Reagan
John Kavenaugh
Mark DeSimone
Adam Driggs
Russell Pearce
