Tennessee’s chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants Tennessee to finally have an open container law.They say such a law would tie up a loophole that allows a driver to either pass an open container to a passenger or throw it in the back seat, which makes prosecution more difficult.
The Open Container bill is part of MADD’s 2006 legislative agenda. Supporters say the legislation could save 25 lives every year in Tennessee. If made law, open beverage containers could only be carried in the trunk.
Senator Jim Bryson of Franklin sponsored this bill two years ago when it failed to pass. He’s carrying the bill again and says opponents often cite the fact that football fans like to drink on the way to games.
“I think most people in Tennessee already think the law exists because it just makes common sense. It just doesn’t seem like you should be able to just pass a bottle to a passenger and then not be caught for drunken driving.”
Bryson says he wants legislators to realize that their job is to protect the people of Tennessee. Tennessee is one of eleven states without the open container law.
Bryson says he wants legislators to realize that their job is to protect the people of Tennessee. Tennessee is one of eleven states without the open container law.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM