UPDATE: Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno is under intense scrutiny following his disparaging remarks about inebriation detection technology during a Senate confirmation hearing on October 25, 2023. His comments have sparked outrage from colleagues and advocates alike, highlighting a significant disconnect between Moreno’s views and the life-saving potential of this technology.
During the hearing for a nominee to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Moreno referred to impairment detection devices as an “insane federal regulation that contributes to high car prices.” His statement drew immediate backlash from his peers, particularly from New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Lujan, who shared a personal story of survival from a drunk driving incident. Lujan emphasized, “I survived a head-on car collision… because the guy was drunker than expletive and drove right into me.”
The Today in Ohio podcast crew, which discussed the incident, expressed their shock at Moreno’s insensitivity. Host Chris Quinn condemned Moreno’s comments, stating, “The insensitivity of Bernie Moreno has probably never been starker… you just cannot count the number of lives that are affected by this.”
Quinn and co-host Laura Johnston highlighted the potential for impairment detection technology to save lives, referencing statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which claims it could prevent 10,000 lives lost each year. Johnston remarked, “That’s just lives. And prevent hundreds of thousands of injuries.” The discussion framed the technology as a vital government responsibility to protect public safety.
Critics have labeled Moreno’s opposition to the technology as self-serving, prioritizing the interests of the auto industry over the safety of Americans. Johnston noted, “It’s very clearly who he cares about is himself and the auto industry.” Quinn further articulated that effective measures against drunk driving are essential, stating, “This is a system that would stop it. It would protect all of us and them from what they can’t control. And that’s an absolute good.”
The podcast segment concluded with a stark portrayal of Moreno’s character. Quinn stated, “His jokey, stupid response with the gravity of lost lives. It just portrays for all of America who our senator is.” This incident has not only revealed the senator’s stance on a critical public safety issue but has also raised questions about his priorities as a legislator.
As this story develops, it underscores the urgent need for discussions around drunk driving prevention and the role of government in ensuring public safety. Listeners can catch the full segment on the Today in Ohio podcast for more insights into this pressing issue.