When Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) launched its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® in the fall of 2006, one state, New Mexico, had an all-offender ignition interlock law. Since then, 23 states have passed all-offender ignition interlock legislation. The Campaign continues to be the nation's blueprint to eliminate drunk driving, and much of its success is due to passage of strong DUI laws in all 50 states. Drunk driving deaths are down more than 24 percent since 2006 and, while much has been accomplished, much more must be done.
"As we continue to sound the drumbeat that high-visibility enforcement and ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers are the best ways to stop drunk driving, it is important to recognize that this issue continues to be a problem across the nation," said MADD National President Jan Withers.
So far this year, MADD has successfully passed major legislation aimed at stopping drunk driving. By sharing the devastating stories of drunk driving deaths and injuries, MADD continues to put a face to this violent crime. During the past few months, MADD has worked closely with local DUI victims to educate, inform and speak about the importance of effective drunk driving laws in every state. Today, nearly half of the nation (24 states) has passed an all-offender ignition interlock law.
In Connecticut, the legislature passed a bill making major improvements to the state's ignition interlock law. Connecticut had an all-offender interlock law, but they weren't enforcing it for those offenders caught for the first-time. This bill fixes that; more than 6,500 first-time offenders will now have to install ignition interlock devices. The leadership of Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, Senator Eric Coleman and Representative Gerry Fox and co-chairs of the Judiciary Committee Representatives Dan Fox and Fred Smith was instrumental in the passage of this legislation.
For more information on ignition interlocks, visit www.madd.org/interlock. And to get involved, please contact your local MADD office or visit www.madd.org for information and resources.