Sadly, the Florida Highway Patrol reports that in 2012, three people were killed every week by a hit-and-run driver. Floridians deserve to feel safe while enjoying their communities. This week, I joined Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, Representative Bryan Nelson, other legislative leaders, and law enforcement to announce a legislative proposal, the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, which will crack down on all hit-and-runs.
Under current Florida law, there is a minimum mandatory sentence of four years in prison for killing someone while driving under the influence. In contrast, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident that kills someone could face a much lighter sentence. In the case of cyclist Aaron Cohen, the driver who killed Aaron and left the scene received less than two years in jail.
I thank Senator Diaz de la Portilla and Representative Nelson for their leadership on the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, and I applaud Aaron Cohen’s widow, Patty Cohen, for her bravery in transforming her tragedy into action to protect others.
Under current Florida law, there is a minimum mandatory sentence of four years in prison for killing someone while driving under the influence. In contrast, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident that kills someone could face a much lighter sentence. In the case of cyclist Aaron Cohen, the driver who killed Aaron and left the scene received less than two years in jail.
I thank Senator Diaz de la Portilla and Representative Nelson for their leadership on the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, and I applaud Aaron Cohen’s widow, Patty Cohen, for her bravery in transforming her tragedy into action to protect others.