I.
Executive Summary
NHTSA’s data on alcohol related fatalities does not include drug-related impaired driving fatalities. Drug impaired driving has also become an emerging and serious public safety threat, especially with the legalization of recreational use of cannabis in many states. Due to complexities surrounding drug-related impaired driving and insufficient data collection on these types of crashes, the exact number of drug- related impaired driving crashes and fatalities is not known. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)® believes there is a link between decreased impaired driving enforcement and increases in crashes, fatalities, and injuries. MADD is the leading national nonprofit organization working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking across the United States. Since its establishment in 1980, MADD has demonstrated tremendous progress toward its mission. The success of MADD, our traffic safety partners and other advocates has helped reverse public acceptance of drunk driving and significantly reduce alcohol related traffic fatalities since MADD’s founding; however, the problem is far from solved. MADD understands the critical importance of law enforcement’s challenging role in the identification and arrest of alcohol and drug impaired drivers among the ever-changing traffic enforcement environment. This toolkit serves as a blueprint for law enforcement’s partnership to help MADD eliminate drunk and drug impaired driving and the 100% preventable death and injuries that result. Traffic and road safety is public safety, and the alarming increases in alcohol and drug related traffic fatalities and injuries across our nation are extremely concerning. Addressing these increases through intentional efforts focused on impaired driving enforcement strategies, continued preventative education, community engagement and ongoing public awareness programs are paramount.
This strategic campaign is comprised of four tenants in which MADD focuses our work: Support for Law Enforcement MADD supports law enforcement and high-visibility enforcement efforts to catch drunk drivers and discourage others from driving drunk. Ignition Interlocks for All Offenders MADD supports requirements for ignition interlock devices for all drunk drivers. Support for Advanced Technology MADD supports the development of advanced, passive in-vehicle technology to determine automatically whether the driver is impaired and prevent the driver from operating the vehicle. Public Support MADD engages the public to advocate and fight for the elimination of impaired driving. It’s everyone’s responsibility.
You, our law enforcement partners and heroes, are the last line of defense against impaired driving. We thank you for your efforts to save lives on America’s roadways.
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving ®
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