Proposal calls for drivers in fatal crashes to submit to blood test in NJ

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A measure under consideration by New Jersey lawmakers would require blood tests for drivers involved in fatal accidents.

The legislation, known as Michelle’s Law, is named for a 17-year-old Passaic County girl who was struck and killed by a pickup truck while crossing the street near her home in 2013.

Her mother, Manal Sous, said she and her husband urged police to send the driver to the hospital for a blood test following the accident.

“Because it was St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s very common that on St. Patrick’s Day that people drink. The officer said that he’s respecting his rights,” she said. “He doesn’t have slurred speech, he doesn’t have red eyes, he is not swinging. So there is no need for any test.”

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Sous said her family has been in agony for two years wondering what caused the accident that killed her daughter.

Current law requires police to determine probable cause before issuing a blood test.Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, D-Paterson, said he sponsored the legislation so other grieving families don’t have to go through a similar experience.

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