Mitchell Sterling Simonson Cashton Wisconsin Obituary, Death; A grieving Indiana family is calling for urgent changes to state law after their 16-year-old son, Mitchell Sterling, was killed in a traffic accident involving what they describe as a distracted and reckless driver. The family says gaps in current investigative procedures have left them without answers — and without justice.
According to the family, the driver responsible for the crash was never tested for drugs, despite what they believe were clear signs of impaired reaction time. Under current Indiana law, drivers involved in crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries are required to undergo a breathalyzer test for alcohol, but there is no mandatory requirement for drug testing. As a result, no blood test was conducted, and potential evidence was never collected.
“This oversight has devastated our family,” the parents said in a public statement. “We will never know whether drugs played a role in the death of our son because the system failed to even ask the question.”
A Gap in Indiana Law
The family argues that Indiana’s focus on alcohol alone no longer reflects the realities of impaired driving. While alcohol testing is standard, drug impairment — including prescription medications, illicit substances, and other impairing drugs — often goes undetected.
National data supports their concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drugs other than alcohol are involved in approximately 16% of motor vehicle crashes. Advocates believe the true number is likely higher due to inconsistent testing practices across states.
Without mandatory drug testing, families say impaired drivers may avoid accountability, and dangerous behaviors may continue unchecked on public roads.
A Call for Legislative Action
In response to their son’s death, the Sterling family has launched a petition urging Indiana lawmakers to amend state law. Their proposal would require mandatory blood testing for drugs following any traffic accident that results in a fatality or serious bodily injury.
Supporters argue that such a change would:
Ensure all forms of impairment are investigated equally
Provide law enforcement with clearer evidence
Deter impaired driving
Strengthen accountability and public safety
“Justice cannot be served when critical evidence is never collected,” the family said. “Mandatory drug testing would help prevent other families from experiencing the same unanswered questions we live with every day.”
Community Support and Next Steps
The petition has begun circulating statewide, drawing support from road safety advocates, victim support groups, and community members who believe Indiana’s laws must evolve to reflect modern driving risks.
The family is urging residents to stand with them by signing the petition and contacting state legislators. They say their goal is not only justice for Mitchell, but meaningful reform that could save lives.
“By closing this loophole,” they said, “Indiana can take a decisive step toward safer roads and a fairer system for families devastated by preventable tragedies.”