Report to the Nation 2015

RATING THE STATES

COLORADO 5

Colorado has been successful in reducing drunk driving fatalities. The state highly incentivizes the use of ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers by allowing a shorter license suspension period for those who elect to go on an interlock immediately following a drunk driving conviction. Due in part to the state’s all-offender interlock law, drunk driving deaths have dropped by 19 percent. MADD applauds Colorado on its continued efforts to keep the roads safe and protect the public from drunk drivers. Sobriety checkpoints and continued refinement of the ignition interlock program are proven countermeasure to continue to save lives.

CONNECTICUT 3

In 2014, Connecticut passed legislation that greatly improves the state’s all-offender ignition interlock law. As a result, more than 6,500 first-time offenders who receive diversion in lieu of a first-time drunk driving conviction will now have to install ignition interlock devices. Now, Connecticut will begin to see a reduction in drunk driving deaths.

MADD calls on lawmakers to protect its children by passing a child endangerment law.

DELAWARE 5

Delaware enacted an all-offender ignition interlock law in 2014 making it the 24th state to do so. Now, Delaware will begin to see a reduction in drunk driving deaths.

MADD applauds Delaware for its strong initiatives and programs to enforce drunk driving law and save lives on the roads.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 3

Washington, D.C. needs an all-offender ignition interlock law. The current option that allows any convicted drunk driver to choose an ignition interlock is not effective, as DUI offenders rarely choose one.

MADD calls on the District to strengthen its DUI law and require all convicted drunk drivers to install an ignition interlock, a proven countermeasure to protect the public and save lives.

FLORIDA 4

Florida has required interlocks for first-time convicted drunk drivers with a BAC of .15 or greater. In 2014, the state expanded the existing law to allow judges to order interlocks for first-time offenders with a BAC of .08 to .14 in lieu of a 10-day vehicle impoundment. The new law requires a legislative study committee to examine all-offender interlock legislation and issue a report to the legislature before the 2015 session.

MADD asks lawmakers to do more to stop drunk driving and require the use of ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.

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