Vidas Truncadas: Lives Turned Upside Down

Denver-based Spanish language station Telemundo recently ran a four-part series titled, "Vidas Truncadas: Lives Turned Upside Down." This series, leading up to Cinco de Mayo*, featured thought-provoking stories detailing the impact of impaired driving decisions on a victim and an incarcerated repeat offender, as well as interviews with law enforcement and attorneys.

Part one focused on the story of local businesswoman Laura Morales, who lost her daughter Jessica in 1999, when an impaired driver hit their vehicle in northwest Denver. Her story described in emotional detail the loss she and her family experienced at the hands of a driver who would eventually be convicted of his fourth DUI. She helped put a face to the painful consequences of this 100 percent-preventable crime.

The three segments that followed—which aired May 2-4—focused on the repercussions of impaired driving for both the offender and his/her family and friends, as well as the legal consequences of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Through the station's interviews, the viewer is reminded that DUI convictions have major ramifications, including temporary driver's license suspension, fees and fines, high insurance premiums, court-mandated community service, participation in drunk-driving education programs and even jail time.

* According to NHTSA, over a five-year period, 270 people nationwide have died as a result of driver impairment over the Cinco de Mayo holiday.