Retired CHP Lieutenant Robert McGrory, whose son, CHP Office Justin McGrory, was killed by an 18-year-old driver who had been smoking marijuana and then decided to drive, said the bill authored by Senator Jerry Hill, which would establish a 'zero tolerance' law against individuals under 21 who drive after consuming cannabis, deserves support in the Legislature.
McGrory was joined by Hill, Students Against Destructive Decisions members, and traffic safety advocate Erin Holmes in a news conference promoting the bill prior to a California Senate Public Safety Committee hearing Monday afternoon.
CHP Officer Justin McGrory. Photo courtesy California Highway Patrol.
The elder McGrory also said that he has forgiven the young man who killed his son, since it was clear that the man did not wake up that day in 2010 and say to himself that he wanted to go out and kill a CHP officer. He also has also reportedly admitted to McGrory that he was high that and will now work to make others aware of the dangers of driving drugged.
Hill said his bill will send a message to young people driving drugged is not acceptable and just as dangerous as driving drunk. If passed it would mean anyone under 21 who is caught driving under the influence of cannabis would lose their drivers' license for a year.