The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available.

MADD Pushing Sobriety Checkpoints In Texas


Texas has the most drunk driving deaths in the United states, making up 40 percent of the total traffic fatalities.

Tuesday at the Texas capitol, a group from Mothers Against Drunk Driving held photos of loved ones whose lives tragically ended because of a drunk driver.

Stu and Carol Levin lost their youngest son six years ago, and the couple said life has not been the same.

"It has been the most painful experience I have ever had," Carol said. "I think about him always and especially at holiday time, and Valentine's Day is coming up.”

Stu said the hardest part of losing a loved one too soon is the memories that will never be shared together.

"When you lose a child, what's lost is not only a son or daughter, but a sense of the future," Stu said. "It's good times that will never be shared."

MADD is pushing for two new DWI laws. One of the two will require ignition interlocks, or in-car breathalyzers, for all convicted drunk drivers. With the law, the driver would have to prove they are sober before they are able to start the car. The other proposal is for sobriety checkpoints.

Those in opposition argue checkpoints are an illegal search and seizure. Bill Lewis with MADD said checkpoints are the best way to prevent people from drinking and driving. 

"People will modify their behavior. They will have less to drink or find a designated driver if they think there's going to be a checkpoint," Lewis said. "The United States Supreme Court found that given the good check points do and the minimal intrusion of a check point that they do not violate our rights."

Texas is one of 11 states that do not allow sobriety checkpoints.

By Cassie Gallo