MADD Supports IIDs for All Drunk Drivers

Did you know that over 10,000 people were killed in alcohol related crashes in 2012? It’s true, in fact it was 10,322 lives that were lost, to be exact. What is most disheartening about this number of senseless deaths is none of them had to happen. Alcohol related crashes are the single easiest alcohol related tragedy that can be avoided. If driver’s plan ahead and avoid drinking and driving, by either appointing a designated driver or taking a taxi, they can prevent any senseless drunk driving crashes. It is not just the first time offenders who are the problem though, one of the largest threats to driving safety are drivers who have already been convicted of DUIs.

Approximately one-third of drunk drivers are previous offenders, as stated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), these are drivers who have been failed by a system that has also failed to keep all drivers safe. There is a solution for drunk drivers that has not yet been adopted by all 50 states, and that solution is ignition interlock devices. These devices help prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel by requiring a breath sample before the vehicle can be started.

Studies have shown that ignition interlock devices help prevent repeat offenders, and in turn help keep other drivers safe by keeping drunk drivers off the roadways. When these ignition interlock devices are used correctly, and in tandem with treatment programs and license suspensions, they can help stop repeat offenders, and rehabilitate them. Ignition interlock devices are currently required for all drunk driving offenders in the following 22 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. The state of California is not on this list because ignition interlock devices are not required for first time offenders. You are encouraged to contact your local legislators to tell them you want stricter DUI laws.

Ignition interlock laws and devices have proven to help reduce the number of drunk drivers and reducing the number of repeat offenders. Studies have shown the number of repeat offenders is lowered by 67% in states where ignition interlock devices are required for drunk drivers. Drunk driving crashes that result in injuries or the loss of a life can and should be avoided, especially now that we’ve reached the holiday season. No one wants to experience the loss of a loved one during the holiday seasons.