NEWS: MADD Continues to Support All-Offender Ignition Interlock Law

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) just released their annual Report to the Nation highlighting its campaign to eliminate drunk driving and is recommending all states have strong Ignition Interlock laws.

MADD considers Ignition Interlocks one of the biggest strategies to eliminate drunk driving. Ignition Interlocks are devices installed in vehicles that can physically prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. When the user takes a test, the Ignition Interlock will prevent the vehicle from starting based on the user’s breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) level.

Four-Prong Approach to Eliminate Drunk Driving

The 2018 report says that drunk driving deaths increased for the second subsequent year in a row (2015 and 2016) in the U.S., and MADD suggests a four-pronged approach to combat this alarming increase:

• Support law enforcement and high-visibility crackdowns
  • In recent years, law enforcement funding was reduced. Some states even considered eliminating sobriety checkpoints because of the limited funding. In the report, however, it says that studies show sobriety checkpoints reduce drunk driving crashes by 20 percent.
• Pass laws requiring Ignition Interlocks for all drunk driving offenders
  • Although all-offender laws are effective, various studies have confirmed that those who need one on a .08 BAC level, rather than .15, see less recidivism in those offenders. Ignition Interlocks overall reduce repeat offenses by 67 percent and reduce drunk driving deaths by 15 percent.
• Advocate for advanced vehicle technology
  • Advanced vehicle technology such as self-driving cars can eliminate drunk driving once and for all, but is still in development.
• Grow public support
  • Public support is another key component. Without volunteers, public advertisements, grassroots efforts and those who spread awareness otherwise on the dangers of drunk driving, the current success gained, says MADD, would not be possible.

With these four approaches, MADD says there will be tremendous success across the nation in combating drunk driving.

State-by-State Rating on Drunk Driving Laws

The report also addresses each state’s rating to measure the success of MADD’s campaign. The states are judged based on these types of laws:

• Ignition Interlocks
• Sobriety Checkpoints
• Administrative License Revocation
• Child Endangerment
• Alcohol Test Refusals

Out of the states, Arizona, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada and West Virginia had the highest state ratings. The lowest were Michigan and Montana. The national average was 2.92 out of 5.

Ignition Interlock Laws in the U.S.

Currently, 30 states and D.C. have all-offender Ignition Interlock laws in place. If an individual commits a first-time DUI offense, or repeats the offense, an Ignition Interlock will most likely need to be installed in their vehicle. Every state has its own Ignition Interlock laws. A few even make the device mandatory for nearly all alcohol convictions.

Each year, MADD makes it a top legislative priority to enact strong Ignition Interlock laws with compliance-based removal. Smart Start proudly stands with MADD in providing this lifesaving technology, and helping those who need a device to get back on the road safely.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Smart Start can get you back on the road quickly as the worldwide Ignition Interlock provider. Call our Customer Care Center today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.