Justice for Clayton

Help us make toxicology mandatory when negligence takes a life

Our Advocacy Mission

Advocacy in Action

Clayton’s Law isn’t just a proposal, it’s a movement for justice, transparency, and accountability. Right now in Florida, when someone is killed in a crash, the at-fault driver is not always tested for drugs or alcohol. This means grieving families are left with unanswered questions and no path to the truth.

We are fighting to change that.

Clayton’s Law would require toxicology testing any time negligence results in a fatal crash. It protects the public while respecting constitutional rights by ensuring probable cause is met when a life is lost due to someone else’s actions.

How You Can Help

Sign the Petition: Clayton’s Law

Share Clayton’s Story: Post it on social media, email it, talk about it. Use the hashtag #ClaytonsLaw #rideforboo #forever17

Join Our Lives & Events: Follow us on TikTok and Facebook to hear from Kelli and other grieving families speaking out.

Facebook: Clayton’s Law

TikTok : Kels_be

This is about more than one crash. This is about every family who deserves the truth, every life that deserves justice, and every mother who should never have to fight this hard to be heard.

Together, we can make sure Clayton’s voice creates lasting change.

Sign the petition

Clayton "Boo" Emerson's story

Clayton "Boo" Emerson was 17 years old. He was funny, full of light, and the kind of kid who left an impression on everyone he met. He was fiercely loyal, protective of those he loved, and had a quiet, strong presence that made people feel safe. He loved being outdoors, listening to music, and spending time with his family. Boo was the kind of son that gave tight hugs, who looked out for his younger brother, and admired his oldest brother. He had dreams he hadn't even begun to chase.

On June 1st 2024, Boo was killed in a crash when another driver pulled out in fromt of him. That driver was never tested for drugs or alcohol. Despite Boo's death, there was no toxicology screening, no effort to determine if impairment was a factor. In the state of Florida, even in cases of fatal crashes, testing isn't always done. In Boo's case, it wasn't.

As his mother, I am left not only grieving his loss but also fighting for answers, and for change. Clayton's Law is named in his honor, and it's meant to ensure no other family has to go through what I have. Every life deserves truth. Every crash that takes a life should be fully investigated. Every parent deserves answers.

This is more than a law, it's Clayton's legacy.

Impact Report

Clayton’s Law will close a dangerous gap in Florida’s crash investigations by requiring toxicology testing when a death occurs due to negligent driving. Currently, many fatal crashes go without testing, leaving families without answers and allowing impaired drivers to avoid accountability. This law will help ensure every life is treated with equal importance and that families like mine are not left in the dark. It protects the public, encourages responsible driving, and restores trust in the justice system.

Advocacy

Advocacy Efforts

Our advocacy work focuses on highlighting the critical role of toxicology testing in accident investigations where negligence is involved. By advocating for this crucial legislation, we aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure justice for victims and their families.

Awareness

Raising Awareness

1. High number of fatal crashes still go untested for impairment

In 2023, Florida saw 3,375 traffic fatalities in total, with 398 alcohol-confirmed and 371 drug-confirmed deaths—but toxicology testing is not mandatory in every fatal crash, leaving gaps in accountability .

2. Drug-related fatal crashes are rising

Although alcohol-related deaths have declined (~14% drop from 2022 to 2023), drug-related fatal crashes remain high—371 deaths and 311 fatal crashes involving drugs in 2023 ().

3. Impairment is a leading cause of death

Alcohol impairment continues to be a major problem: in 2022, Florida recorded 5,232 alcohol-only crashes resulting in 406 fatalities and 3,052 injuries .

4. Florida exceeds national averages in traffic death rates

Motor vehicle crash deaths in Florida are ~16.9 per 100,000 residents—27% higher than the U.S. average (~13.3) ().

Why Advocacy Matters

Closing the testing gap ensures all fatal crashes are evaluated, not just those with obvious signs of impairment—providing full transparency.
Families need definitive answers on whether impairment played a role; tox screens are key to determining that.
Mandatory testing acts as a deterrent, signaling that Florida takes impairment seriously and supports public safety.

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Building Together

Community engagement is at the core of our impact. We believe that by involving the community in advocacy efforts, we can amplify our message and push for meaningful legislative changes that prioritize safety and justice.

Supporting Clayton's Law: Petition for Change in Florida Legislation

In Florida grieving families are often left without answers after fatal crashes. One major reason is that toxicology testing is not always performed, even when someone is killed due to another driver's negligence.

What is Clayton's Law?

Clayton's Law aims to close a dangerous gap in Florida crash investigation's by requiring toxicology testing when negligence causes a fatal crash. The law is named after Clayton "Boo' Emerson, a 17-year-old who was tragically killed in a crash where the other driver was never tested for drugs or alcohol.

This law would ensure that families receive the truth, that negligent drivers are held accountable, and that no life is disregarded simply because there wasn't "probable cause". But negligence causing a fatality should be probable cause. No family should be left in the dark just because outward signs of impairment were not obvious at the scene.

The Need for Change

Clayton is not alone.

Another teen in Florida Bradley Ellertson, was killed in a car crash under strikingly similar circumstances. The driver also walked away without being tested. His mother Krystal and Kelli are fighting for answers, truth, and reform.

Together, we are demanding that negligence causing fatality should automatically trigger toxicology testing. A life lost is enough reason to seek the full truth. No family should be denied that.

You can read about Bradley's story here: justiceforbradley.com

Clayton's Law aims to address these issues by:

Requiring toxicology testing after fatal crashes involving negligence: This will ensure that impairment is either confirmed or ruled out, giving families the answers they deserve.
Defining negligence causing death as probable cause: This closes a legal loophole by making it clear that a fatality caused by negligence is enough reason to test the driver.
Promoting equal accountability for all drivers: Right now, some drivers are tested and some are not. This law ensures every life is treated with the same level of care, dignity, and investigation.

How You Can Get Involved

Supporting Clayton's Law is not just about signing a petition; it is about becoming an active participant in the movement for change. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Sign the Petition: The first step is to add your name to the petition supporting Clayton's Law. This shows lawmakers that there is a strong demand for change.
Spread the Word: Share information about Clayton's Law on social media. Use your platforms to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to your local representatives and express your support for Clayton's Law. Let them know that this issue matters to you and your community.

By taking these steps, you can play a vital role in supporting Clayton's Law and helping to create a safer Florida for everyone., their collective voice becomes more powerful.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the importance of Clayton's Law, it is clear that change is needed. The current legal framework in Florida is not enough to protect those who are vulnerable.

By supporting Clayton's Law, we can work together to create a safer, more just society.

Take action today by signing the petition, spreading the word, and getting involved in your community. Every voice matters, and together we can make a difference.

In the fight for justice and safety, we must remember that change starts with us. Let us honor Clayton's memory by advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Together.

Make a donation

Clayton's Law was born out of loss, but it is driven by love and the fight for truth. Your donation helps us keep this website alive, fund flyers, awareness campaign, and travel to meet lawmakers. Every dollar helps bring us one step closer to justice for Boo and every life that deserves answers.

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