Wrecked Car Serves as Reminder to Lawmakers - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

There was quite a sight waiting for North Dakota legislators as they walked into the State Capitol this morning.

Between their parking lot and the door -- sits a wrecked car that could make you gasp.

It's a visual, safety officials are hoping will stick with lawmakers as they debate strengthening North Dakota's DUI law.

Donnell Preskey has the story.

No testimony needed. Just one look says it all. The Deutscher family was driving this Subaru Forester when they were hit by a drunk driver head on going the wrong way on I-94. The remnants of this July crash are making a dramatic impact on those who see it outside the capitol today.

Lynn Mickelson, whose family was killed by a drunk driver, says "So senseless, Brielle's car seat in the back, it hurts. It hurts to look at. They didn't have a chance from the way it looks."

It was his family -- his pregnant daughter, her husband, granddaughter who were in this car.

Mickelson fights through the pain in reliving his loss in order to prove his point.

North Dakota's DUI laws need to change.

"It was quite a crash to see coming in. The whole front end is caved in, it's just gone," says Rep. Diane Larson.

North Dakota Chamber President Andy Peterson says,"It's horrible, horrific, it puts a lump in your throat obviously. This is really one of the things that will get legislators attention. And as a result of that will get DUI laws tightened up in North Dakota."

"It's a moving visual that really tells the story of what drunk driving can do and the damage it can wreak on families. It's a very stirring reminder that this is a problem we really have to address," says Rep. Scot Kelsh.

"It leaves an impact, there's no question about it. We are going to have to look at it and see what we can do," says Rep. Mike Brandenburg

"I've always felt that we need to do whatever we can to make DUI laws strengthened so we can make this stop," said Rep. Larson.

Lynn Mickelson: "It's time to do something, we got to do something. That's why I keep hoping and praying these legislators can do something about it and they will get the message."

Mickelson has given approval for Red River Safe Communities Coalition to use the wrecked car.

The vehicle will travel around the state to show the dangers of drinking and driving.

Today's appearance at the state capitol is the car's first public showing.

There are a couple different bills being proposed this session to make the state's DUI laws tougher.

Representative Ed Gruchella proposes much higher fines for DUI's.

Representative Kim Koppleman's bill increases jail time and fines.

Neither bill has been scheduled for a hearing.