MADD’s Report to the Nation Gives State-by-State Report on Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) releases a study every year that calls on states’ and Congress’ efforts to eliminate drunk driving called “MADD’s Report to the Nation.”

MADD’s Fifth Annual Report to the Nation

The study is important for the public and lawmakers to find out their state’s current drunk driving laws, and what could be done to make them even stronger. It’s also a wake-up call to the damage that drunk driving does in the U.S. Drunk driving takes lives, and leaves the country with a high financial burden. In 2009, drunk driving costed the U.S. $132 billion.

In its fifth anniversary report, MADD urges states to use all their resources to implement the technology and methods that are effective against drunk driving. They also continue to recommend successful tactics states use such as sobriety checkpoints, heightened law enforcement, and implementing an all-offender Ignition Interlock law for offenders with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or .08 or higher.

Ignition Interlocks: MADD’s Tool to End Drunk Driving

One component out of MADD’s three for its campaign for stronger drunk driving laws is Ignition Interlocks. When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, launched, only one state had an all-offender Ignition Interlock law. Fast forward to 2017 and there are now more than 30 states and D.C. with an all-offender Ignition Interlock law.

Ignition Interlocks Are Effective

The Ignition Interlock program varies by state. However, as a whole, MADD asks all states to implement an all-offender law. Multiple studies prove the success of Ignition Interlocks by showing reduced recidivism in repeat offenders, and being a safer, more effective alternative than a suspended license. It also turns out that drunk drivers who have not been convicted of a DUI are more likely to drive drunk 80 times before they are convicted.

The Ignition Interlock’s success is in the numbers and statistics. Ignition Interlocks work, and we are proud to stand with MADD to complete their mission in eliminating drunk driving. Since MADD’s inception, drunk driving deaths have reduced by almost half.

But there is still work to do. In NHTSA’s fatality data, drunk driving fatalities rose subsequently in 2015 and 2016.

By using what works, such as the effective use of tools like Ignition Interlocks, the U.S. can see an even safer future on their roadways.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

If you must install an Ignition Interlock before you can drive again, choose Smart Start. We are the worldwide provider of Ignition Interlocks with a reliable device and superior customer service. Call our Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.