Pennsylvania family fighting for justice and working to keep drunk drivers off the roads

PENNSYLVANIA — Roseann and Richard DeRosa are turning their pain into passion and making sure no family experiences the loss they did.

“I had to do something, and I know she would want me to save another life,” said Roseann DeRosa, mother of Deana Eckman.

Their daughter, 45-year-old Deana Eckman, was tragically hit and killed by a serial drunk driver back in February 2019 while on the way home from a family function with her husband.

“Every time we hear a siren we get scared for our grandchildren and children who are in the area,” said Richard DeRosa, father of Deana Eckman.

The driver had a BAC of .199 and traces of drugs in his system. He had five prior DUIs.

This week, the legislation they have fought so hard for to keep those drivers off the street—Deana’s Law— overwhelmingly passed the State House.

“We l really think that this legislation is a huge step in making the road safer,” said Richard DeRosa.

Republican State Representative Chris Quinn of Delaware County worked on the bill and has fought for the family for years.

“For each crime you commit you owe a debt to society,” said Representative Chris Quinn (R, 168th District Delaware County).

Deana’s Law would increase penalties for drivers with 3 or more DUI convictions and target the worst offenders on the roads.

It would also require consecutive sentencing.

“What this does—it’s gonna mandate that a judge has to deliver individual verdicts and individual sentences for each crime you committed,” said Quinn.

The DeRosas say each day is a fight but they’re doing this for their late daughter.

The bill now moves to the transportation committee and Senate. Quinn hopes it passes by January.

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