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No Free Rides for Drunk and Uninsured Drivers

February 7, 2005
By: Bente Birkeland
State Capital Bureau

A new law aims to make sure uninsured drivers in Missouri don't get a free ride.

Bente (BEN teh) Birkeland reports from Jefferson City.

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Under the bill, uninsured drivers injured in car accidents would pay for their non-economic losses. This includes physical impairments, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident. The law also applies to drunk drivers, even if they have car insurance. Senator Loudon, a Republican from St. Louis County, introduced the bill.

Richard Brown is a lobbyist for State Farm Insurance. He says if it passes, he thinks the law can make a difference.

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" It's been passed in a number of states. Basically it's an effort to get people to buy car insurance, which is our current state law."

According to the Insurance Information Institute uninsured drivers are involved in more than 20% of fatal car crashes in the U.S.

From the state Capitol, I'm Bente Birkeland

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State lawmakers are hoping to give Missourians another reason not to drink and drive. Bente (BEN teh) Birkeland reports from Jefferson City.

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A new law aims to hit the pocket books of drunk drivers. Under the bill, drunk drivers injured in car accidents must pay for their non-economic losses. This means pain and suffering, or physical impairments resulting from the accident.

Richard Brown, a lobbyist for State Farm Insurance says the bill makes sense.

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" And it's passed in a surprising number of jurisdictions which you would not normally expect. "

The law also applies to sober drivers who don't have car insurance. Senator Loudon, a Republican from St. Louis County, introduced the bill.

No one at the senate judiciary hearing spoke out against it.

From the state Capitol I'm Bente Birkeland.