The bill amends existing laws regarding the responsibilities and penalties for drivers involved in accidents resulting in personal injury, serious bodily injury, or death. It establishes a new section, 31-26-1, which mandates that drivers involved in such accidents must stop at the scene and remain until they fulfill legal requirements. The penalties for failing to stop have been significantly increased, with mandatory imprisonment terms raised to a minimum of one year and a maximum of fifteen years for first violations, and a minimum of five years and a maximum of thirty years for subsequent violations. License revocation periods have been extended to at least two years and up to ten years, depending on the severity of the injury.

Additionally, the bill introduces new sections under Chapter 31-27, which address driving offenses resulting in serious bodily injury or death. The penalties for these offenses have also been increased, with maximum imprisonment terms extended to thirty years for driving under the influence resulting in death. For serious bodily injury, the imprisonment term has been increased to a maximum of fifteen years. The bill clarifies definitions of serious bodily injury and establishes that license revocation periods will be at least five years, with the possibility of permanent revocation. Overall, the act aims to impose stricter penalties for driving offenses that lead to serious consequences, thereby enhancing road safety.

Statutes affected:
8100: 31-26-1