Technology exists today that will prevent drunk driving as a reactive measure after a drunk driving arrest or conviction.
Today’s Technology Saves Lives Technology exists today that will prevent drunk driving as a reactive measure after a drunk driving arrest or conviction. MADD’s advocacy for state laws that require ignition interlock use after every drunk driving offense has led to the passage of laws in 34 states (Kentucky and New Jersey in 2019). Ignition interlocks are in-car breathalyzers that can be installed in any vehicle and are proven to reduce repeat drunk driving by 67 percent. According to a 2018 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study, all-offender ignition interlock laws reduce drunk driving deaths by 16 percent. When the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving began, only one state, New Mexico, required interlocks for all convicted offenders. Today, every state has some type of ignition interlock law, including 31 states that require the devices for refusing an alcohol test. Since 2006, ignition interlocks have prevented over 3 million attempts to drive drunk, according to data collected from the top ignition interlock providers. Drunk driving arrests have decreased by almost 27%, while ignition interlock installations have increased by 245%. States with the toughest ignition interlock laws are making the most progress in saving lives. Currently, nearly 350,000 ignition interlocks are in use across the country. With full implementation of ignition interlock laws, the number should easily grow to over 500,000. MADD is continuously monitoring the courts and administrative processes to help states close loopholes and amplify the lifesaving results of requiring ignition interlocks for all offenders.
7
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator