Mother seeks to create tribute for daughter, decrying DUI
Q I don’t know if am contacting the right person, but I’m giving it a shot anyway.
My 16-year old daughter, Isabelle Gonzalez, was tragically killed March 16 by a drunk driver on Communications Hill in Jose.
This has taken its toll on me and my family. The only way I’m able to keep going on is if I am doing something for her.
I’d like to have a sign or something to raise awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.
I’d like to do this in her name, so please take my request into consideration or help direct me to the right people.
Isabelle was truly special and I want the whole world to know. I will forever be a proud cheer mom. — Melinda Chavez, San Jose
A
Isabelle was one of two young people killed in the accident. The San Jose High School student was riding in a speeding car driven by 22-year-old Brandon Hunsperger on Casselino Drive.
He lost control of the black Honda Accord car, striking a tree and careening over a hill. Toxicology reports showed that Hunsperger died with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.187 — over twice the legal limit. He also had 11 nanograms of delta-9 THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that makes a person high.
Crashes rose between 5 percent and 6 percent in states with legalized recreational marijuana compared to neighboring states where such use remained illegal. But there’s been a push to expunge cannabis-related criminal records as more states such as California have legalized pot though it is illegal to drive while under the influence of weed.
I contacted Mothers Against Drunk Driving and those folks will talk to you. A memorial sign might help, but urging the state to conduct extensive studies to track this issue might also be a way to honor your daughter. MADD offers free services to DUI victims and can be reached at 925-452-8752.
Q
I just read about the death of an infant girl killed by a driver in the Walnut Creek area. Sadly, her dad died earlier in this crash. Two innocent lives lost. How can we get the message out that driving drunk is a continuing problem?
— Linda Stewart,
Oakland
A
Here’s one way. The CHP and Office of Traffic Safety have begun a program to crack down on DUI drivers that will run until Sept. 30, 2019. Think ahead.
Have a designated sober driver, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation or a ride-hailing service. There is always a better option than getting behind the wheel while impaired.
And call 911 if you see a suspected DUI driver. Be prepared to provide a location, direction of travel, and vehicle description.