Drunk driving’s tragic consequences

My name is Paul Baessler, I am the son of John and Carol Munkberg. My parents died on January 28, 2008 by a drunk driver playing chicken with his lights off at 9:44pm in Greybull, WY.

My parents were traveling home from Florida from visiting my family and I, where they met their new baby grandson for the first time. They were headed home from landing at the Cody airport on January 28. About halfway home, they were hit head on by a drunk driver and were killed instantly.

When emergency response arrived, both automobiles were engulfed in flames, burning my folks beyond recognition. I was not
notified until about 24 hours later, when they were finally able to ID their bodies.

What a tragic death by someone’s bad choice. Imagine your parents killed and burned beyond recognition at no fault of their own.

A report was released that the guy who hit my parents head-on had previous DUI's and no license, but was still not punished enough to keep him from behind the wheel or even be drunk and behind the wheel.

The driver was 41, driving his mom’s car with his mom’s insurance and had a blood alcohol level of .16, double the legal limit.

If people are not self-disciplined and the family does not help monitor, than who should? If the states laws are not effective, shouldn't they be changed?

Now, we have 2 people, loved by many, and gave a lot. They leave behind four children, 11 grandchildren, brothers, sisters and in-laws.

They were both very active in the communities of Tensleep and Worland. My mom taught sewing at the Senior Center, was active in the Republican Committee and served as a District Rep at one time, volunteered her time at the town library and
was an active member in the Does.

My step dad taught me everything I know, he fixed anything the town asked him to and he was a member of the Elkïs, Moose and Masons. This has left a hole in many hearts for such a stupid choice.

So, this is why I am sending this to all of you. I understand that a bill was voted down in the past few days that was to tighten the DUI laws in Wyoming. This is a very big disappointment in the wake of my parents’ tragic death.

I need to know what I can do about this. We have emailed government officials, collected and made many contributions to MADD to assist in making things better. But I want to know what I can do to change the outcome of the vote.

How many more people have to die and how many more shattered lives of those left behind will it take to make a difference and get drunk drivers off of the road. I beg you to support any and all new laws that make Drunk Driving a serious offense.

I will speak to all of you in front of the House and Senate, if it will make a difference. Tighten the DUI laws for the safety of your state and the innocent people.

Name it, the Munkberg Law in memory of my parents who so tragically died by the hands of a drunk driver.

Paul Baessler
Windermere, Fla.