Wisconsin is one of six states that offers state-sanctioned signs for victims of drunk driving-related motor vehicle accidents. The signs serve both as a memorial and a safety reminder. States have long been concerned about the makeshift memorials that dot the highway. They fear the remembrances can cause drivers to be distracted or that families can be injured when creating these makeshift graves alongside the highway. Although these memorials are typically illegal, most law enforcement have trouble telling families no because they are overwhelmed with sympathy.
The new state-sanctioned signs are catching on. States are charging anywhere from $150 to $1,000. They remain in place from one to 10 years. Drunk driving victims' families have been fighting to get these signs for years.
Gail Rehme's brother was killed by a drunk driver. He and his girlfriend were on their way back from a Cardinals game on his motorcycle. They pulled over on the shoulder to clean up a spilled soda when they were struck by a drunk driver. Rehme had the signs legalized in Missouri, and dubbed the law, "David's Law," after her brother. His was the first sign planted along Missouri's I-270.