2006 Child Endangerment Report

ON The Cover There are very real cases in which a child’s life is placed in danger by a parent or other caregiver’s choice to drink and drive. Yet, as dangerous as it is, driving impaired with children in the vehicle is not a commonly acknowledged form of child endangerment or child abuse. Carlie McDonald, 5 years old, was killed on January 1, 1998 by her intoxicated mother who was driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .22 percent, over twice the BAC illegal per se level. Carlie had been placed in the front seat of the car; her unused booster seat was found in the back. Carlie’s mother had been specifically court-ordered not to consume alcohol in Carlie’s presence. This was not enough to save Carlie’s life. Carlie’s father, Lieutenant Carl McDonald of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, had primary custody of his daughter. He was helpless to protect and ensure that Carlie would be safe when visiting her mother. His life has been forever changed. Carlie loved playing with her dog, Sadie, and reading bedtime stories. Her favorite movie was The Lion King . Because her mother made the choice to drive while impaired with Carlie in the car, Carlie will never be able to live her life and attain her dreams. Her father must learn to live without her and continue his journey of grief.

Copyright © 2004 Mothers Against Drunk Driving - Reprint 2006

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