It wasn't the kind of ending to a glorious career that Randy Babbitt expected or even, dare we say it, deserved. Since 2005, he has served as chief of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and, in those years, he has steered the agency through some tumultuous times. However, last week, Babbitt's impressive career ended on a note of ignominy when he was arrested on DUI charges in Fairfax, Virginia and subsequently resigned as a result of the charges.
Babbitt was reportedly driving alone at the time of his arrest for driving under the influence. Fortunately, his drunk driving did not result in an accident, and he is expected to appear in court in a few weeks.
The FAA chief expressed remorse at the DUI and released a statement indicating that his resignation was intended to ensure no shadow would be cast over the outstanding work done at the FAA by his colleagues.
His resignation has been accepted and New Jersey DUI lawyers are not exactly surprised. After all, the Department of Transportation (USDOT), under which the FAA falls, has been making strong efforts to reduce intoxicated driving. Babbitt's arrest for DUI, therefore, was a bit of an embarrassment for the USDOT.
Unfortunately, Babbitt’s DUI arrest and subsequent resignation is definitely a loss to the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency under Babbitt had been dealing with issues of air traffic controller and pilot fatigue. There are also several aviation safety initiatives that are now likely to hang in the balance as a result of his exit.
The New Jersey DUI lawyers at Helmer Paul Conley and Kasselman represent persons who have been arrested for DUI across New Jersey.
